Getting jazzy in Monroe with Sweet Swing

The 13th annual Sweet Swing Spectacular transformed the Monroe High School Performing Arts Center into an upscale jazz club over the weekend, as guests were treated to dancing, desserts and performances by the jazz band and choir.

The event was coordinated by instrumental music program director Lisa Ray, choral director Ryan Hyde and the Monroe High School Performing Arts Booster, a parent-led volunteer organization dedicated to supporting the Monroe High School performing arts program. Band students dressed up and served desserts during the performances, which included classics like "In the MoodGÇ¥ and "Night in Tunisia.GÇ¥ A silent auction was held to raise money for upcoming competitions.

The Sweet Swing Spectacular is one of two primary fundraisers organized by the Monroe High School Performing Arts Booster during the year. Funds raised will support the band during the Seattle Heritage Festival in April, and will help pay travel expenses during the band's 2017 Disneyland trip; a once-every-three-year opportunity where the band travels to California to participate in the Anaheim Heritage Festival.

The funds will be used to help pay transportation, lodging, entrance and food costs.-á

The Monroe High School's music program boasts around 170 students divided into several groups, including the ninth-grade concert band, symphonic band, wind ensemble, jazz band, percussion band, pep band and marching band. All instrumental groups are led by Lisa Ray, who has been with the Monroe School District since 1998.

"She is an amazing teacher,GÇ¥ said parent volunteer Cheryl Rolfson.

With both of her sons involved in band, Rolfson has been a part of the Monroe High School Performing Arts Booster for five years. Her son, Bennett, graduated with honors after four years in the band program and is currently a freshman at the University of Washington. He was the 2014-15 senior homecoming king and founded two clubs while at the high school; the Literary Analysis Squad and the Music Appreciation Club.

Rolfson said his favorite high school memory is the Disneyland trip with the band.

Her other son, Garrett, plays the drums and has really found his niche in the music program. The high school junior plays in the jazz band, percussion band, wind ensemble, marching band and pep band.-á

"It's been great for my kids,GÇ¥ Rolfson said.

The Sweet Swing Spectacular featured performances by the jazz band, the jazz choir and a combination of the two, for a classic "big bandGÇ¥ experience. Ryan Hyde is in his fourth year as the choral director, and teaches guitar and piano in addition to choir and jazz choir. He incorporates music theory into his curriculum, so students become adept at reading music.

Last December, the jazz choir performed barbershop-style during the Monroe Chamber of Commerce luncheon, receiving a standing ovation for its efforts. The barbershop is an auxiliary component to the jazz choir; anyone who successfully auditions for jazz choir is asked to commit to meeting outside of class to learn additional music.

"The girls and the guys get together once a week outside of class and learn all the barbershop tunes,GÇ¥ Hyde said.-á

Recently the jazz choir excelled during a competition held at Cascade High School in Everett.-á -á -á

"They competed two weeks ago at the regional singing contest, and in every category that we were in, we got a superior rating ' second in the region,GÇ¥ Hyde said.

For more information about the band and to see highlights of band performances, visit the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/MHSBearcatband.