The ACHS Jazz Ensemble and Orchestra hosted their annual concert to a crowd of parents, students and staff on Wednesday, February 8. ACHS teacher and jazz band sponsor Jonathan Untch led both of his extracurricular bands in a performance of classic jazz tunes, while Michael Riggs conducted the orchestra to a variety of modern songs, such as Uptown Funk by Bruno Mars and Radioactive by Imagine Dragons.

The orchestra began the concert, highlighting featured instruments such as the electric guitar, bass and cello. After the combined orchestra piece of Shut Up and Dance With Me, the two jazz ensembles took over the show. The bands adhered specifically to jazz combinations in their repertoire set, giving several students the chance to shine through solos. Going from trumpet, to saxophone, to keyboard, the two jazz groups created a unique sound that gave new life to this style of music.

“‭It’s really fun once you get in the moment‬,” junior Patrick Day said. “It’s ‭just you and the band and you have no worries.”

For some band members, this concert was their last. Senior Booker Grass, the only 4-year participant of the jazz program, was given the chance to “be shown off for the last time,” according to Untch. Despite this being his last jazz concert as a drummer, Grass plans to continue to pursue his passion towards music after he graduates and while in college.

At the finale of the concert, both jazz bands combined to play alongside each other for the first time in a live performance. The stage was packed to the brim, but the players were met with a roaring applause as they ended the concert with great success.