Members of the Plymouth High School Jazz Ensemble invited residents of Miller’s Assisted Living Community to a private concert in their band room Wednesday afternoon, May 21st. As the residents arrived they were greeted by the band instructor Bryan Ames as students helped residents off the bus and led them to their front row seats.
The jazz students played several numbers they had played at state contest as well as a few favorites from pep band. They also impressed their audience with improvisational solo parts that are made up on the spur of the moment as Mr. Ames points to an individual to indicate it is his/her turn to shine.
And shine they do! The Miller’s group was impressed with the expertise with which the students play and also enjoyed the light hearted camaraderie the students seem to share. The musicians were quick to answer questions about their instruments and their time spent in band. The many trophies and banners surrounding the walls was proof of the skill with which they play.
At he end of the concert the students visited with their guests and took time to show and talk about their different instruments. The group found it impressive that many students are able to play more than one instrument.
Photo: Miller’s Assisted Living resident Jerry Hancock is listening as Katie Bowling, saxophone and Melissa Johnson, trumpet tell about their instruments at a special PHS Jazz Ensemble concert.
