What’s so special about the Sanford Jazz Ensemble (SJE)? The list could be quite long, so read on and you’ll be surprised!
Music – The SJE statement says they are “Dedicated to the preservation of the Big Band Jazz Tradition”. They superbly perform the traditional Big Band songs in their purest form. However, they go further by putting the Big Band sound to everything from 70’s Funk, Soul to original compositions by Ensemble members, and creating new arrangements to the old standards.
Music – The SJE statement says they are “Dedicated to the preservation of the Big Band Jazz Tradition”. They superbly perform the traditional Big Band songs in their purest form. However, they go further by putting the Big Band sound to everything from 70’s Funk, Soul to original compositions by Ensemble members, and creating new arrangements to the old standards.
Musicians – You would find it very difficult to find the depth and breadth of musical talent and diversity of backgrounds than that of SJE’s members. They range in age from 17-70ish. They are/were professional musicians, dentists, auctioneers, programmers, band managers, systems managers, to name a few. They are all uncompensated with the exception of an occasional paid gig and lunch before their WDPAC performances.
Talent and Skill – Every SJE member plays at the highest skill level and has the creds to prove it. For example: Jimmy Foy played with the Dorsey and Miller bands in the 30’s and 40’s. Toby Ukpunobi has moved on with a full scholarship to the Manhattan School of Music. Andrew Harbin left to pursue a double major (including music) at the University of Alabama. Music Director Dave Weaver has played with 75 top artists, such as The Four Tops, The Jimmy and Tommy Dorsey Orchestras, The Drifters, Bob Hope, Wayne Newton, Percy Sledge…you get the idea. Lest this become a book we’ll save information on other SJE members for future articles.
Motivation and Dedication– Obviously the compensation isn’t the motivating factor for this amazing group. Their love of the music and performing is rewarded when they peak from behind the curtain before the performance to see the size of the audience. The performances are just the tip of their dedication. Rehearsals are mandatory if you want to perform at a concert, that’s every Sunday evening. Then there is the time and effort to create the playlists for each concert, creating arrangements for each piece, creating new tunes, generating new ideas to keep the show fresh every time. If you are interested in exercising your musical talents and maybe expanding your skills with SJE contact Jeff Brody at jeff@sanfordautodealers.com.
Value – In addition, to the unbelievably great sounds from the band, there are usually top-flight guest musicians and vocalists joining in at the WDPAC performances. All that for $15 or $50 for a 5 ticket package.
Don’t miss out on any more great musical Sunday afternoons. You can get a taste of the SJE sounds check out this video http://sanfordjazz.org/?p=350.
Talent and Skill – Every SJE member plays at the highest skill level and has the creds to prove it. For example: Jimmy Foy played with the Dorsey and Miller bands in the 30’s and 40’s. Toby Ukpunobi has moved on with a full scholarship to the Manhattan School of Music. Andrew Harbin left to pursue a double major (including music) at the University of Alabama. Music Director Dave Weaver has played with 75 top artists, such as The Four Tops, The Jimmy and Tommy Dorsey Orchestras, The Drifters, Bob Hope, Wayne Newton, Percy Sledge…you get the idea. Lest this become a book we’ll save information on other SJE members for future articles.
Motivation and Dedication– Obviously the compensation isn’t the motivating factor for this amazing group. Their love of the music and performing is rewarded when they peak from behind the curtain before the performance to see the size of the audience. The performances are just the tip of their dedication. Rehearsals are mandatory if you want to perform at a concert, that’s every Sunday evening. Then there is the time and effort to create the playlists for each concert, creating arrangements for each piece, creating new tunes, generating new ideas to keep the show fresh every time. If you are interested in exercising your musical talents and maybe expanding your skills with SJE contact Jeff Brody at jeff@sanfordautodealers.com.
Value – In addition, to the unbelievably great sounds from the band, there are usually top-flight guest musicians and vocalists joining in at the WDPAC performances. All that for $15 or $50 for a 5 ticket package.
Don’t miss out on any more great musical Sunday afternoons. You can get a taste of the SJE sounds check out this video http://sanfordjazz.org/?p=350.