Horns tooting, drums beating and a banjo strumming welcomed a few fortunate FHS classes into the auditorium during fifth period on Friday, Oct. 4th.
Outfitted in colorful suspenders and cartoon ties, the Blue Street Jazz Band of Fresno, Calif. performed a variety of jazz tunes- from early blues to swing, to Mardi Gras .
The performance was a teaser for the weekend Glacier Jazz Stampede which consisted of almost 100 musicians and was free to students.
Formed mainly of school music teachers, the Blues Street Jazz Band consisted of a piano, a trombone, a trumpet, a clarinet, and a banjo.
Different musicians performed vocals for songs each time they were required. The songs didn't lack feeling, due to the fact that they each song included long improvisational solos.
During pianist Joe Metcam's solo, he banged on the keys so hard that the piano thumped the floor from bouncing.
"I like their style," said senior Cory Lehman. "They really got the audience to participate.
During his solo, trombonist Forrest Hillman grabbed his head to stop it from shaking to the rythm.
"The band wants to foster interest in the jazz style of Music your grandparents danced to in the '40s," said Hillman.
He described jazz as "the first rock-and-roll" and referred to it as an original American invention. However, they haven't always played jazz.
"We did the rock and roll thing in the '60s, man," said Hillman, mimicking a hippie.
Still, the band consider themselves definite preservationists of their craft.
Said Hillman:
"We want young musicians to continue the legacy," referring to the jazz music style.