If you happened to spend your Friday night on February 7th in Hunterdon Central’s Little Theatre, you were certainly in for a night to remember. With the walls decorated in sparkly decals, the stage dressed in twinkling lights, and black dresses and suits nicely polished, you were enchanted with both class and warmth. That night you would be taken through a journey of jazz guided by the smooth notes of the saxophones, the cadence of a bass, or the luring melody of a singer. A journey called “And All That Jazz,” hosted by the Tri-M Music Honors Society.
The show was first introduced by Tri-M’s officers – Lydia Hammil, Ryan Miller, Mason Quintard, and Ardiv Mirza – as they transitioned into the opening title song, “And All That Jazz” from the musical, Chicago. Soon after, a tuba ensemble composed of Mr. Kenny, Mr. Magalio, Max Kenny, and John took the stage to perform “Tuba Juba Duba.” As the show moved from performance to performance, they were transitioned by the night’s hosts (various Tri-M officers) and their comedic introductions (which were not short of plugs for the drink of the night – a Shirley temple). Songs ranged from jazz classics like “La Vie en Rose” (Nia Matthew, Hammil, CyCy Lustado, Mirza, and Dominic Penalosa) and “Song for My Father” (Sam Nyez, Bobby Pouria, Chris Doyle, Quintard, and Giulio) to modern jazzy pop/bossa nova ones like “A Night to Remember” (covered by Shelby Manning, Eva Graziano, Olivia Davis, Bronwyn Downey, Avery Fulton, and Izzy Shroeder) and “From the Start” (Carly Perrine and Elle Bischoff), both by new artist, Laufey.
Additionally, the ensemble compositions from performance to performance were nothing short of a wide range. From simple saxophone duets (“Jazz Sax Duet” by Eddie Hodnicki and Nic Borella) to “L-O-V-E” (Aiden Goodman, Madison Rembibus, Penny Fourre, Grayson Brice, Michael Brown, Jennifer Smith, Pouria, Jimmy Casey, Hodnicki, Miller, and Nyez), which blended the sounds of vocalists, keyboard, sax, trumpet, trombone, bass, and many others.
The night of course didn’t just happen spontaneously. According to Ryan Miller, the president of Tri-M, the theme of jazz was first voted on by the society followed by many
rehearsals from each of the groups. For example, Bronwyn Downey’s performance group said, “We had practiced a lot during lunch. Small ensemble performances were tricky because you had to keep time and match other people’s parts all without the help of a conductor. During these rehearsals, we had to focus on listening to each other and make sure we stayed on tempo while balancing our sound.” Additionally, while performers were doubled over in practice rooms, the officers of Tri-M were busy orchestrating the rest – “planning and building the set, holding auditions, creating the setlist, and marketing the show.” Just like the various parts of a song, various officers had their own jobs to ensure it all came together in harmony – Ardiv Mirza (Vice President) overseeing the hoodie drive, set construction, and ensuring it was photographed, Lydia Hammill (Secretary) leading marketing and program design, and Mason Quintard (Treasurer) spearheading concessions and ticket sales.
Despite the night being all about music, there was another purpose for the gathering – the hoodie drive. The hoodie drive, which was started by members Max Kenny and Ryan Jenkinson, “collects new and used hoodies (in good condition) to distribute to members of the community who need them.” So far, Miller has said they’ve “raised over 70 hoodies this year with even more opportunities to donate to come.” The service project ensures that they remain as both a music and service society. In order to highlight that defining purpose, anyone who brought in a hoodie received a discount on the ticket. If you didn’t get the chance to donate, don’t worry, their donation box is right at the music building entrance!
Alas, though, all good things must come to an end. As a large ensemble took their places at the mic, bass, drums, or music stand, there came a bittersweet wave over the audience as they set up for the final number. First, came the soft musical introduction, shortly accompanied by the voice of Piper Berkowitz who guided the audience through the story of “Autumn” by Couch. Eventually the medley of musical instruments came together: Brice, Anna Lopena, Doyle, Lustado, Riko Bettermann, Quintard, and a vocal duet with Jason Singh. As the final note strung out and hung in the air, the audience erupted in applause, and soon enough, the night had ended.
As alluded to before, Tri-M is more than just a music honor society. According to Miller, the society is also about improving both the school community and the larger community with
the musical talent it brings in. From allowing its members to showcase their wide range of skills to the aforementioned hoodie drive, musical performances are their way to creating a better worldwide society outside of music. And while music may begin in the blood, sweat, and tears from inside a practice room, it ends in the heart-throbbing joy of all those outside it.
