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Jean Marie Kent and her Vocal Jazz Ensemble have returned from New Orleans having participated in the Jazz Education Network’s annual conference. It was a fantastic trip and included a performance opportunity with feedback, clinics, performances, and a chance to explore the city. Our instrumental ensembles are busy preparing for winter festivals at The University of Washington, Clark College in Oregon, and Bellevue College. These busy times at Roosevelt Jazz mean extra practices, a new Friday improvisation class with Mark Taylor, and bands focussed not on the individual, but on playing together as strong ensembles. Happy New Year! We look forward to playing for you soon!

Thank you for your tremendous support in 2019. Thank you for coming to The Jazz Nutcracker, The Pathway of Lights, our school performances, and Hot Java Cool Jazz. We appreciate your support of our annual Gala, our GiveBIG fundraiser, and for hiring the band to perform small and large gigs. We wouldn’t be here without you and we appreciate all that you do for Roosevelt Jazz. Currently, our Vocal Jazz Ensemble, under the direction of Dr. Jean-Marie Kent, is making preparations to attend the Jazz Education Network’s Conference in New Orleans. For those of us staying local, keep your eye on our facebook page for updates of RHS Jazz student (past and present) performances in the Seattle area over the holiday and head on out and listen to some jazz. There’s plenty to be had!

Thank you to everyone for supporting the Roosevelt Jazz Nutcracker. We had a wonderful time performing, and you were a fabulous audience. Join us for some special holiday events in the days ahead:

On Tuesday, December 10th students will perform at the 70th Anniversary of Candy Cane Lane. Admire the decorations and listen for us from 6:30 to 8:30 pm.

Jazz Night is Thursday, December 12th in the Roosevelt Theatre at 7:00 pm. You’ll hear from our Vocal Jazz Ensemble, directed by Jean-Marie Kent, as well as the jazz bands directed by Mark Taylor, Michael Van Bebber, and Scott Brown. There will be a bake sale and the concert is free.

On Saturday, December 14th we invite you to walk Green Lake for the Seattle Parks and Recreation Pathway of Lights. Jazz Bands 2, 3, and 4 will perform at the Small Craft Center beginning at 5:30 pm. Moc Escobedo and the Eckstein Middle School Jazz Band will kick the set off at 4:30, Five O’Clock Shadows plays at 6:30 and The Lincoln Jazz Band performs at 7:00. There are groups performing at The Bathhouse and the Community Center as well.

Come to the show! Tickets will be available online through 1 pm on Sunday. Tickets at the door for $20.00 cash and check only. C’mon down to Roosevelt High and join the Peanut Brittle Brigade. It’s a great show, a joyful show, a show that fills you up!