With the end of the school year around the corner the Smith-Cotton jazz band has been busy practicing and planning to end this school year with a big bang with its Big Band Dance.
The fundraising dance, made possible by the Tigers Instrumental Music Promoters Organization (TIMPO), has been a tradition for Smith-Cotton for the past nine years. Director of Instrumental Music Grant Maledy said the tradition was already in place when he came to Smith-Cotton. The jazz band and band alumni perform at the event.
Not only does the band provide a groove to dance to, but the evening also includes desserts, dance lessons and a “silent auction with items from the Chiefs and Royals and lots more,” Maledy said. ”We love the Big Band dance! It’s a chance to review all material the band has played this year and connect with our audience in a more relaxed atmosphere and have fun.”
“I am usually good to go preparing for the upcoming dance but it is a bit hectic planning all of the non-musical things like the silent auction,” he added. “The music side is much more fun for me.”
Sarah Bergman, a senior member of jazz band, plays saxophone and this will be her fifth year performing at the Big Band Dance.
“My first year performing I remember having so much fun, I got to perform for a little while and then danced all night with my friends,” Bergman said. “My favorite part about the Big Band Dance is being able to perform for the community and being able to dance all night.”
She also said that the Beard family offers a mini dance lesson “and that’s always a blast.”
Sydney Schlup also is a member of the jazz band, playing the saxophone.
“The Big Band Dance was really fun, I got to meet the junior high kids and I learned dances that I didn’t know,” she said. “I also had a great time socializing with all my friends. I am really excited to see how this year’s dance goes and hopefully I get to meet new underclassmen that I haven’t met before.”
Maledy said, “I love seeing the community realize how talented and professional our students are. It’s neat to see the culmination of the year’s work.”
The dance is at 7 p.m. Friday in the Smith-Cotton High cafeteria. Tickets will be available at the door for $5, which includes ice cream and brownies.
“We’ll have some entry-level dance instruction and folks are welcome to ‘shake a tail feather’ throughout the night,” Maledy said. “I think this is a neat opportunity for folks to come and see the cafe decorated, the kids having fun, and a chance to dance.”
