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Crescenta Valley High School Jazz Band 'Spring Fling' Sets the Night on Fire

This annual event brings together current and past CVHS band members for an evening of jazz, swing dance and dessert.

Candlelit seating under a a ceiling of black and white balloons, peppered with silver musical notes and stars, set the stage for Crescenta Valley High School's jazz band concert "under the stars" on March 26. 

Over two hundred jazz enthusiasts gathered to celebrate the energetic and sultry jazz lineups directed by Mathew Schick. Schick, a veteran teacher at and recent  recipient of the BRAVO award, is in charge of the jazz band, concert band, symphony orchestra, wind and string ensembles at Crescenta Valley High School. 

"This is our annual event and we try to reinvent ourselves each year with new songs and new ideas. This evening is a great showcase of talent and people in the community look forward to this event. They are able to come and relax and dance and enjoy the evening. We have a phenomenal amount of parental support that makes this evening possible," Schick said.

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The jazz band is comprised of 23 students (ranging from sophomores to seniors) and jazz band alumni joined in the evening's festivities. Austin Drake, currently attending Pasadena City College, united with current band members and helps to create a sense of unity and family. The CVHS jazz band starts their performances in the late fall with holiday events. In the spring, more events and competitions fill their schedules.

Against the backdrop of the New York City skyline, songs like Herbie Hancock's "Watermelon Man" and Latin-inspired "Carnaval del Sol" infused the audience with energy. One memorable segment of the evening the "John Sim Experience," where student John Sim sang several songs, his resonant voice captivating the audience. Throughout the evening, the combination of the saxophones, trumpets, trombones, French horns, drums, guitars, and keyboards transported music lovers into a world where time disappears.

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What's music without dance? Lisa Clyde of LA Party Creations gave a full hour of swing dance instruction to those in the crowd. Audience members learned the "rock step" and "slide" moves and further choreography that they could use to dance socially throughout the night.

Event-goers were also treated to an array of desserts, including vanilla bean cheesecake, raspberry mousse, and even a chocolate fountain. Community businesses such as , Cordons Ranch Market, Franks Famous Kitchen and Catering, Gourmet A Go Go, Porto's Bakery, Trader Joe's of La Canada, , and Whole Foods of Glendale all donated goods to make this evening possible.

The CV Jazz band's next event will be held May 20 in the CVHS auditorium. This will be a full evening with performances from all of the bands at the high school; a special commemorative program will be available, as well.

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