John Jay Winter Concert Series Will Bring The Heat As Temps Drop

CROSS RIVER, NY — One of the most anticipated live music events of the post-holiday season is returning with a nod to the warmth of the community gathering.

From the Katonah-Lewisboro School District.

John Jay High School's Winter Concert Series is a community treasure! The trio of free concerts features Katonah-Lewisboro’s most accomplished student musicians, conducted by music educators who bring out the best in young people. Each concert is held in John Jay High School’s theater, begins at 7 p.m. and is open to the public.

• Orchestra Concert, on Tuesday, January 7, conducted by Elissa Leventhal
• Vocal Jazz Concert, on Thursday, January 23, conducted by Carly Spaeth-Walsh
• Concert Band, Wind Ensemble and Jazz Band on Tuesday, February 4, conducted by Jared Henderson

John Jay High School’s Orchestra Concert features five selections, ranging from Symphony No. 1 by Joseph Bologne, a black violinist, composer, conductor, and swordsman who outshone his contemporary, Mozart, during his time; to "Swamp Thang," which composer Richard Meyer describes as "hotter than a Cajun barbecue!"

John Jay High School’s Vocal Jazz Concert includes "Old Devil Moon," from the Broadway musical "Finian’s Rainbow,” the Beatles’ "Hey Jude," and a medley of songs from "Wicked." The student-run acapella group The Treblemakers will also perform.

John Jay High School’s Band Concert features the Jazz Band, Concert Band and Wind Ensemble. The evening will feature jazz classics such as "Stompin' at the Savoy" to classical band pieces from icons like John Phillip Sousa, to portions of film score favorites "Harry Potter" and "Frozen."

Band teacher Henderson speaks for all the conductors in expressing pride in the students' hard work and accomplishments.

"The students and I chose some very challenging music, and they are rising to the occasion," said Henderson. "It has been so fun to work with them over the past few months on such rich and exciting pieces. Each group is truly going above and beyond, and I can't wait to share their beautiful music with everyone."

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This release was produced by the Katonah-Lewisboro School District. The views expressed here are the author’s own.