Featuring BHS Jazz Band, "Jazzed for Valentine's Day" Dinner/Dance Fast Approaching
By Julie Perine on January 29, 2015 via Connect-Bridgeport.com
Ticket sales for the the 7th annual “Jazzed for Valentine’s Day” are starting to pick up. The Sat., Feb. 7 dinner/dance at Bridgeport Conference Center is just around the corner.
For $40 per person, attendees receive a plated dinner prepared by the conference center culinary team, opportunity to win a cash prize drawing/silent auction items and – the main attraction - an evening of festive jazz music for their listening and/or dancing pleasure.
New to this year's event, the BHS Orchestra will play 6-7 p.m. while hors d'oeuvres are served.
As always, featured entertainment - beginning around 7 p.m. - will be the Bridgeport High School Jazz Band.
“The music is just phenomenal,” said Dr. Mike Hess, BHS Band Patrons president. “We’re talking about a group of kids who have been the No. 1 or No. 2 jazz band in the state for the past few years.”
The set list, said Director Chris Hayslette, includes a variety of big band standards such as "In the Mood," "Satin Doll," "Misty," "My Funny Valentine" and "String of Pearls."
“I’m always just blown away when I hear them play,” Hess said. “These are just kids – young kids – playing the music of another generation - and doing it extremely well.”
Funds raised at the event will benefit the BHS Band.
"This is the band's largest fundraiser and the money raised supports the entire band program," said Justina Ogden of the BHS Band Patrons. "Since my daughter is a freshman, I am new to the band patrons and never realized the expenses that the help cover and without our great community support, it would be very difficult."
Those expenses include everything from instrument repair and uniform upkeep to band camp and traveling expenses, Ogden said. The community is always quite supportive of the event, with upwards of 150 attending and an average of $5,000 to $6,000 raised toward the band’s $80,000 budget.
“Sponsorships are a big part of that and local businesses are great about donating items for the silent auction – be it a gift item from Country Peddler or an overnight stay with breakfast at Stonewall Resort, Hess said.
Under the direction of Chris Hayslette, the 21-member Bridgeport High School Jazz Band specializes in traditional standards, Latin tunes, ballads and jazz-rock selections. The students maintain a busy performance schedule – typically playing 15 to 20 events during the school year encompassing school, community and corporate events throughout North Central West Virginia. The ensemble has consistently earned “Superior” ratings at the West Virginia Northern Regional Jazz Festival.
"Being a part of the high school band is an extremely worthwhile activity for our children," Ogden said. "Music education, performance and learning to work together as part of a group are skills that set the foundation for success in life."
Jazzed for Valentine’s Day tickets can be purchased at Best Care Pharmacy on Main Street, Bridgeport, from any BHS Band member or by calling 304-629-6779 or emailing bhsbandpatrons@gmail.com.
Those who would like to donate items for the silent auction or a door prize - or make a monetary donation - can contact Suzette Ferrari at 304-629-6779 or Justina Ogden at 304-203-1522.
Editor's Note: Photo taken during "Jazzed for Valentine's Day" 2014
