Jazz Cabaret returns and hasn’t lost a step

The music department’s Jazz Cabaret returned this year last Saturday in the Large Gym after being canceled last year due to scheduling issues. Junior Peter Vandevort said that the event was well-received by students and highly attended.

As one of the major fundraising events for the music department, Jazz Cabaret raised about $6,000, with a profit of about $2,000, according to senior Isha Mangal.

“The true purpose of Jazz Cabaret is to have a chance for the music programs to show off their hard work and for people to enjoy themselves listening and dancing to the music,” Vandervort said. “Sure, it can also be counted as a ‘fundraiser,’ but honestly, nobody cares about that point.”

The performance included both Jazz I and Jazz II classes, Redwood Middle School’s Jazz band, as well as senior Max Rossip’s band called Max and the Melodic Minors. The cabaret also featured professional group Sons of Jubal Swing Dance Band.

Various students also performed solos at the dance. Mangal performed her rendition of “At Last” by Etta James and senior Camille Bismonte performed “Skyfall” with the Jazz II. Senior Kevin Wu sang Frank Sinatra’s “Come Fly with Me” while senior Nina Nelson performed a jazz version of Britney Spears’s “Oops! … I Did It Again.”

Another performance at the cabaret were the Chamber choir and the Concert choir. In preparation for the event, Mangal said that the choir had been rehearsing since early January.

To set up for the event, the performers started working in the large gym for seven hours on Friday night and Saturday morning to decorate the gym and get it ready for the event. Mangal worked to prepare lighting, tables, and decoration from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. the night before.

Mangal said she most enjoyed performing for her friends and peers. Other highlights included choir director Andrew Ford showing off his waltz and swing dance moves to attendees.