The night of February 23rd, the Madison High School cafeteria transformed into a fully functioning, rocking jazz club. With dimmed lights, a set stage and student servers passing out lemon bars, cheese cake and coffee, among other treats, the Madison Music Association’s annual Desert and Jazz was a rousing success. The event had sold out on the 21st, a victory for the historically profitable fundraiser. During the “dessert” portion of Dessert and Jazz, many student performers showed off their chops, entertaining the filled-to-capacity crowd. Among the acts were Sean Haughey and Sarah Williams. Little siblings even made an appearance, with acts from Madison Junior School sharing in the spotlight.
Following the performances, graciously emceed by Justin Kemp and another junior, the audience was treated to a combined concert featuring the jazz ensembles from both the middle school and the high school. The middle school band, directed by Mr. Leo Sabatino, played two pieces and the high school band “Madison Avenue,” directed by Mr. Russ Batsch, played six.
The money raised from the evening will go to funding music programs throughout the Madison school district. Recently, the MMA funded the purchasing of youth posture chairs for elementary school instrumentalists, ensuring that young musicians start building good habits from the start. At the high school level, a band shell has been purchased to improve the acoustics of the auditorium. The MMA’s affect can be felt across the district, across ages and across all variations of the arts in Madison. The success of Dessert and Jazz promises a strong music program in Madison’s future.