With COVID-19 putting a temporary pause on events and performances, MHS’s annual “Evening of Jazz,” an event filled with music and silent auctions, was one that hasn’t occurred since 2019. 

“[Evening of Jazz] is an opportunity to perform for the wider community outside of Mundelein High School,” Jerry Shelato, band director, said. “It’s a chance for students to have a final big blast performance at the end of the school year with all of our jazz students performing together.” 

This year’s “Evening of Jazz” occurred Friday, May 13, at the Double Tree Hotel in Mundelein.

Photo by Megan Burns

Outstanding opening: MHS’s Jazz Ensemble kicks off the 2022 Evening of Jazz event with the song “Laura” by David Raskin, arranged by Jim Martin. The concert was held at the Double Tree Hotel in Mundelein. Band director Andy Sturgeon said, “This is an evening where we get to feature the students in our jazz bands in a more relaxed atmosphere, a rather authentic performance opportunity.”

Photo by Megan Burns

Special “guests”: Jazz Ensemble accompanies Freshman Chloe Langford as they perform the song “Baubles, Bangles, and Beads” by Borodin, Wright, and Forrest, arranged by a friend of the band program, Bob Zaun.

Photo by Megan Burns

A walk in the park: Junior Neil Martin performs a solo in the song “MacArthur Park” by Jim Webb. “MacArthur Park” was the last song played in Jazz Ensemble’s first set. “We got to perform really good music for an audience, and the audience was really energetic,” Martin said. “They loved the performances, they loved supporting and they even asked for one more tune from us, which made me really happy.”

Photo by Megan Burns

Small jam sesh! After the first set of full-band music, members of Jazz Ensemble’s rhythm section perform “Spain” by Chick Corea, with Senior Ella Kasamis playing the melody on flute. 

Photo by Megan Burns

Fresh faces, more music: MHS Jazz Orchestra performs “How High the Moon” by Morgan Lewis and Nancy Hamilton, which featured the band’s trombone section. 

Photo by Megan Burns

Sentimental songs: Senior Kate Driscoll performs “Cerezo Rosa” By Marcel Louiguy as a surprise for her grandfather in the crowd, as it’s his favorite song.