Facing the music can be unpleasant — unlike the music emanating from ETHS’ terrace on November 20, when the ETHS band program performed its Jazz Combo Fest. The showcase featured a wide variety of jazz standards and original music and was divided into sub-groups, with Lab Band being the largest of the three.

“Lab Band is our entry-level group, which is made up of mostly freshmen. Many of the students did not experience jazz in their District 65 schools, so they wanted to try it for the first time. We also have a fair amount of students trying a new instrument—transitioning from flute or clarinet to saxophone, or from tuba/euphonium to trombone—which is awesome,” commented Matthew Bufis, director of bands.

The groups are not just split up by performing experience, though.

“Our combo program focuses on smaller group chamber jazz music rather than the traditional jazz big band music. The emphasis is on creating unique arrangements of the tunes and expanding improvisational skills,” said Mr. Bufis.

This learning opportunity is not lost on the band’s members, who, even as freshmen, are eager for opportunities to develop their musical skills.

“Jazz band is one of ETHS’ best opportunities in my mind,” said freshman Lab Band member Franz Bakker. “Even though you need to get up early, I think I speak for everyone — it is worth it.”

In addition to the performing experience that Lab Band members are the primary beneficiaries of, Jazz Band also offers an inviting environment that helps create a sense of camaraderie. This can be heard in the up-and-coming musicians’ pieces, where cohesion as a band is key.

“We get to play great music, but even better, we get to have lots of laughs and have a great time with others,” summarized Bakker.