The 25th anniversary performance of the “The Jazz Nutcracker” will honor the musical dedication and showcase the continued evolution of Roosevelt Jazz. Now under the direction of Roosevelt High School Director of Bands Hannah Mowry, this year’s performance will expand to include Jazz Bands 2 and 3, along with holiday tunes performed by Roosevelt Vocal Jazz.
“I’m glad that we are finally being included,” 11th-grade saxophone player Elizabeth Speert said. “I believe it will be even more fun for the audience to listen to a variety of levels and ages working together. I am honored to get this opportunity, and I can’t wait to play good music for others!”
The decision to include all four ensembles ensures that everyone can participate in and learn from this beloved tradition while maintaining high standards. While some musicians have been working with these tunes since the start of the school year, others are just beginning to focus on the music. Roosevelt’s premier ensemble, Jazz Band 1, has been preoccupied with its Earshot Jazz Festival performance and other competition preparations. So when we asked the band’s saxophone player Griffin Keen in mid-October what he found challenging about the Suite’s music, he joked, “I’ll get back to you guys on that one. Jazz Band 1 hasn’t started practicing for the Nutcracker yet.”
One band’s lessons
Jazz Band 2 has been immersed in the work of refining its musical performance. Band musicians Pauline Beckett and Nathan Chang shared how mastering this challenging music has evolved from personal goals to an achievement that unites their ensemble, illustrating dedication and collaborative spirit that defines Roosevelt’s music program.
“We’re dragging. A lot,” said 11th-grade saxophone player Pauline Beckett, recalling one difficult rehearsal. Director Michael Van Bebber “gave us all a ‘practice, practice, practice’ pep talk. The next rehearsal we all came back and played almost 30 clicks faster. That feeling of swingin, being together with the music and your band mates, and really feeling the music is the whole reason I play jazz.”
Ninth-grade trombone player Nathan explained that “there have been some places in the music we’re practicing that have been particularly difficult, but practicing these pieces daily has led to lots of improvement. It has made me think more about how a band is supposed to play together, and the importance of balance between the sections in a band.”
“I watched The Jazz Nutcracker at Roosevelt High School when I was in 4th grade, and it was one of the reasons why I came to Roosevelt. Now it feels amazing that I’m actually going to play in it,” said 10th-grade drummer for Jazz Band 3 and Vocal Jazz, Kai Finkelstein.
This year’s celebration extends beyond including the more than 90 student musicians in its production. We also invite concertgoers to enjoy a festive holiday marketplace and activities before each concert and during intermission. Attendees can explore an instrument petting zoo, take photos with costumed Nutcracker characters, enjoy holiday crafts, and purchase commemorative merchandise, poinsettias, and seasonal treats.