Esko Jazz Bands Really Swing

The kids, grandparents and everyone else enjoyed listening to Esko’s Jazz I and Jazz II bands on Friday December 8th. Concert, big band and Christmas music poured into the audience, inviting people to the dance floor of the Esko High School cafetorium.

Sisters Ellynor Barta, 10, and Lucy, 8, twirled and danced to almost every song, eliciting cheers and whistles from the audience as they showed off their moves. They were there to watch their older brother, Nathan, play the piano in the band.

The musicians demonstrated their skills throughout the night, led by Rich Mowers, longtime teacher and enthusiastic saxophone player.

“One of my goals is to teach kids to love making authentic music with their instruments and to have fun,” Mowers said.

Several students performed solos during the event, some with instruments while others sang.

Mike McIvain lifted his 11-year-old daughter Grace and rocked her as she smiled from ear to ear and members of the audience cheered their approval.

A drum solo brought another round of appreciative cries from the listeners.

A silent auction dessert fundraiser featured a variety of pies, cakes and other goodies donated by several restaurants. The $ 750 raised is donated to the Esko Jazz Fund to purchase equipment and other needs for the band, as well as scholarships for students to attend jazz festivals at local colleges.

PHOTOS AND TEXT BY JAMIE LUND

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