On Feb. 8, the 42nd Annual Jazz Fest was held at the Winnetka Campus in Gaffney Auditorium. Throughout the day, middle school band students learned from jazz students and talked with the high school band teachers about the music courses offered at New Trier High School. Ranging from professional jazz players coming in to speak with the students and the students getting to perform in concerts, it was a busy day for everyone.

In the evening, the Jazz 1 Ensemble performed alongside New Trier alumni ranging from the class of 1998 to the class of 2024. They played many classic jazz songs along with student and alumni solos. 

Junior Eli Chawla, who plays the bass, said that the students have been practicing since November, selectively choosing songs they would like to play. 

“I guess the real grind started after winter break. We didn’t even get the finished version of one of our pieces until two weeks before the concert,” Chawla said.

Chawla also said that the practice wasn’t as stressful compared to the day of.

“Just seeing all of the students at New Trier who would be coming to the concert that evening was scary,” he said. “There’s just a bit of pressure when you’re meeting all of those nice people knowing that you’re playing for them that night.”

Senior Damir Facsko, on the trombone, says that his experience wasn’t stressful. Many of the students practiced together during free periods, lunches, and after school.

“I had practiced my music and knew it like the back of my hand. In fact, I was very excited, and the day couldn’t come faster,” he said.

Jazz Director Nic Meyer was unavailable to be interviewed.

One Jazz Fest tradition is hosting a professional jazz band to come and play after students perform. This year, that was The Chicago Neighborhood Suite in what was their first-ever live performance. From Puerto Rican immigrants to Chicago natives, this band has it all. Members of the band wrote and performed their own ballads and songs about their experiences growing up and living in Chicago. 

Overall, Jazz Fest is a New Trier staple enjoyed by community members across the North Shore, bringing everyone together to appreciate the beauty of jazz music.