The Columbia High School Jazz Ensemble under the direction of Peter F. Bauer performed its annual concert on Thursday, February 20, 2025, at the South Orange Performing Arts Center.
The audience was treated to a rousing selection of jazz standards including “Land of Make Believe,” “Round Midnight,” and “My Funny Valentine.” A highlight of the evening was a set by the “The Children of Sanchez,” a completely student-led Jazz Combo helmed by Jackson Pellegrino, who also created all of the arrangements.
For the past three years, the Jazz Ensemble has been the fortunate beneficiary of the Arts in Education program at SOPAC. With the support of SOPAC’s Director of Arts Education Linda Beard, students were mentored by seven local jazz professionals over the last three months, with the partnership culminating in Thursday’s thrilling concert.
Watch video from the concert on the Columbia High School Music Parents Association Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/CHSMusicParentsAssociation/reels/.
Photos by Julia Maloof Verderosa:
