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Jazz Concert Preview

Catarina Correa ’26 in Arts | December 13, 2024

This coming weekend, on Sunday, December 15, the Lawrenceville Jazz Band and Jazz Ensemble will collaborate to perform at the Clark Music Center for their annual winter concert. Featuring a variety of genres—from classical pieces and mashups of popular jazz repertoire to familiar holiday tunes—members of the Bands are excited to show off both their technical musicianship and their abilities to improvise; a difficult skill unique to the style of jazz. 

Prudence Dwyer ’26, who has been playing the trombone in various jazz bands since fifth grade, commented on the unique atmosphere that the Lawrenceville Jazz Ensemble provides to both the musicians and the audience. “All the musicians in the Band are super talented and genuinely passionate about their instruments,” she explained. KB Barrett ’26, a saxophonist in the Jazz Band, echoed Dwyer’s sentiments. “Everyone works really hard in rehearsals to prepare for the concert, but at the same time, [they also have] a lot of fun [while] experimenting with different improvisations of a piece,” she commented. 

Despite the hard work that goes into rehearsals, members of the Jazz Band and Ensemble share lighthearted moments of bonding through their shared passion for jazz. “People bring such positive energy to rehearsal, which really helps after a long day of classes,” Clara Khabbaz, a clarinet player in the Jazz Ensemble, stated. Khabbaz particularly credited Louise Carroll ’26 for consistently uplifting the spirits of the Band with her positivity during rehearsal.

Speaking to the encouraging atmosphere, Eric Chen ’27, a baritone saxophonist, stated, “Director of Instrumental Studies and Jazz Band Conductor Stephen Rozek reminds us: ‘You're always a half step away from greatness.” Reflecting on Rozek’s motivational words, Chen further elaborated, “I think that this is simply a great attitude to have in the sense that one should recognize both how far they've come and room for improvement—literally, you might find yourself a half step away from the right note!” 
Khabbaz reiterated Rozek’s humorous encouragement: “After the end of a piece, if he says “that's great!” we all know we need to practice.”

Members of the Jazz Band and Jazz Ensemble are equally excited to perform this weekend and share the unique art of jazz with the Lawrenceville community. “The Jazz concert is a great opportunity to support members of the music community at Lawrenceville and hear music that is not mainstream, yet very influential in the history of modern music,” remarked Khabbaz. 

Sharing Khabbaz’s sentiment, Dwyer encourages all members of the student body to attend the upcoming concert. “The Jazz Concert is a great way to destress and temporarily remove yourself from the chaos of Turkey Term.”

From Christmas carols to swinging improvisation, this year’s Winter Jazz Concert will be a performance to remember. Come support your peers, destress, and enjoy some great music! 


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