The Rebirth of Jazz by Sofia Ambida

Feet tapping, heads nodding, mouths humming to the heartening tune of the ear- ringing drums, soothing piano and mellifluous harmony of the trumpets — this is just a feel of the environment in Lafayette Avenue Presbyterian Church on Sunday, March 15. Presented by the Jazz Standard Youth Orchestra, Jazz Vespers did not fail to fill the room with a brief nostalgic feel of what it was like to live in the Roaring Twenties. Thinking about it, the Roaring Twenties or the 1920s doesn’t seem so far back. However, in reality, it has almost been a whole century ago. A lot of things have changed and developed.

As humans progressed, technology evolved and so did everything else it is quite rare to hear about kids showing interests in listening to genres like Jazz. It is even rarer to hear about kids showing interests in playing Jazz music itself. It’s not exactly what’s being played on today’s radio or what’s being debuted on the iTunes Top 100. Is it possibly because Jazz is dying? Probably but the Jazz Standard Youth Orchestra counters this argument. Composed of seven members: four trumpeters — even music.

What was the “pop” of the ‘20s is the “old school” of today. Along with floppy discs, VHS tapes and Walkmans, Jazz unseemingly fits in the same category as them which is what’s known as “the Past”. Nowadays, stood in front and center, behind them was a drummer and to their right were two alternating pianists. All of them jittery standing just before the grand organ behind them. Appearing to be in their pre-teens/teens, these youngsters in their casual tee and jeans appeared small compared to the painted high walls of the church.

However, after the short and awkward introductions, these young performers finally found home under the spotlight — and it took them long enough too. Exhibiting hints of stage fright in the first few songs with constant arm flailing, side conversations and whispering, their facial expression would almost make you think they were miserable to even be there. However, they turned over a new leaf when they were invited back on stage after the Readings and Remarks part of the program. With the dodging sun peaking through the glass-tinted mosaics while they played a couple of Charlie Brown songs along the way, they were able to turn the church into their own concert arena.

Closing the show, they lived up to the saying “Save the best for last.” Keeping the audience interested, they did not fail to end the show with a bang when the trumpeters moved the stage elsewhere and started walking around the church as they played. Ultimately, they were showered with applause and wide smiles at curtain call. Displaying the right amount of ambition and potential with minor improvements in stage presence, it would be no surprise these young performers will find themselves on bigger stages like on Lincoln Center. Kids like them will keep the spirit of Jazz alive. Maybe Jazz might not be all dead after all.