This weekend, the Traverse City Central High School Big Band and Lab Band will perform with the Michigan State University Jazz Orchestra One, one of the top collegiate jazz ensembles in the world.
Two of Central High School's jazz students, tenor saxophonist Mae McKenna and trumpeter Elly Bachert, spoke with IPR's Nancy Deneen about their experiences with this collaboration and shared music that will be featured at this weekend's concert.
McKenna talked about rehearsing during "Zero Hour," which refers to the hour before regularly scheduled school courses. Although she needs to get up at 6 a.m. for 7 a.m. jazz band rehearsal, she finds the experience rewarding and motivating.
"I think it's a great way to wake up," said McKenna.
"This is our first concert of the year, and I'm really excited for people to hear the group we have this year," said Bachert. "I also love playing with the MSU [Jazz Orchestra One] band every year, because they're so incredible and give us so much to look up to."
The TC Central High School Jazz Bands with MSU Jazz Orchestra One will perform Saturday, Oct. 11 at 3 p.m. at the City Opera House. General admission tickets are $12, and student/senior tickets are $5.
