As South’s Jazz Band began to play their saxophones and trumpets, the crowd quieted in anticipation for the spirited performance. A community formed among the people who came together to experience the irresistible sound of South’s Jazz Band. On the night of Tuesday, Jan. 28, Jazz Band hosted their annual Jazz Cafe in the West Cafeteria, sophomore Brielle Doherty, a trumpet player, said.

The Jazz Cafe is a combination of live jazz music, refreshments, and an auction to fundraise money for Jazz Band, Doherty said. Both Jazz Ensemble, the advanced co-curricular band, and Jazz Lab, the beginner co-curricular band, performed a repertoire of jazz songs, Doherty said.

  “Jazz is a specific type of music, but within jazz, there are so many different sounds [that can be heard],” Doherty said. “[It is] a very interesting and unique listening environment.”

While the band was on break between performances, an auction occurred, during which gift baskets made and even parking passes for the teacher’s lot are bid on by attendees, junior Abigail Gange, alto saxophonist, said. The band raises money between playing lively songs, Gange said.

“It’s a fun environment, and it’s fun to see everyone performing,” Gange said. “[The event is] just a good atmosphere.”

The best part of being in Jazz Band is spending time with friends while playing exciting music, Gange said. Junior Madison Gleason was a former member of South’s Jazz Band who, like many others, came to support and watch her friends perform.

“I get to see my friends from an [outside perspective,] when most of the time I’m playing with them,” Gleason said. “[I would] for sure [come again].”