LEWISBURG W.Va. (WVDN) – Music lovers and community supporters alike are invited to Jazztravaganza: Jazz Vibes, Hawaiian Tides, a spectacular evening of jazz benefitting the Greenbrier East High School (GEHS) Band’s upcoming trip to Hawaii. Set to take place on Wednesday, May 21, at 7 p.m., this unforgettable fundraiser will showcase incredible performances by the West Virginia Jazz Orchestra (WVJO), Jazz Spartans (GEHS Jazz Band), and Knights of Jazz (Eastern Greenbrier Middle School (EGMS) Jazz Band.
Jazztravaganza promises an electrifying showcase of jazz, celebrating the dynamic music culture that bridges students and seasoned professionals. All proceeds will directly support the GEHS Band’s travel expenses, allowing them to proudly represent their school, community, and the State of West Virginia at the 84th Anniversary Commemoration at the Pearl Harbor Memorial.
The WVJO was formed in 2000 by Joe Buttram, Peter Hill, and Gary Williams and quickly selected Jeff Bryant as their music director. The group is made up of 21 performers who play mostly music from the Big Band era. The band has two vocalists and performs locally for a variety of occasions. The WVJO is a 501c3 organization and is co-sponsored by American Federation of Musicians Local 674 and the Greenbrier Valley Theatre.
Jazz at Greenbrier East has a long history, with some great directors and many students who have gone on to make some great music of their own. Continuing this tradition, Brian Carr and Birch Graves have taken turns for the last three years directing the Jazz Spartans, an all-star ensemble, each Monday after school, challenging these young musicians to read jazz literature and express themselves through improvisation. Many of the students were in jazz band at EGMS, as well, so they are building skills on top of a foundation already laid. It is at this level that we can hear kids gain a level of comfort with the stylistic characteristics of jazz and an understanding of the music theory that goes into a well-constructed solo. In addition to improvisation exercises and reading jazz literature, these high school students enjoy learning about the rich history of jazz.
The Knights of Jazz has been swinging since EGMS opened in 1992. Students must audition to be in this special ensemble that meets just once a week after school. There, they play not only songs in the jazz idiom but also Latin, funk, and rock genres. At first, soloing in front of their peers is a terrifying prospect, so often the entire ensemble will improvise together at the same time, learning strategies for improvising and building confidence along the way. There are always those students who find they have a knack for improvisation, but all the kids enjoy the freedom and expression of jazz.
Jazztravaganza will be held at Carnegie Hall with admission set at $20 for adults, while students can attend for free (but still must reserve a seat), thanks to the Carnegie Cardinal Fund. Call the Box office for tickets or more information.
This is more than just a concert – it’s a chance for the community to rally behind young musicians, fostering artistic growth and giving them an unforgettable opportunity to perform beyond state borders.
Don’t miss an evening of swinging rhythms and uplifting melodies, all for a great cause. For ticket information, donations, or event details, please visit www.carnegiehallwv.org, call 304.645.7917, or stop by 611 Church Street, Lewisburg, WV.
Carnegie Hall WV is a nonprofit organization supported by individual contributions, grants, and fundraising efforts such as TOOT and The Carnegie Hall Gala.
