The Monroe High School Performing Arts Boosters is gearing up for the 13th annual Sweet Swing Spectacular Jazz Concert, featuring desserts, performances by the Monroe High School Jazz Band and Jazz Choir and a silent auction.
The concert takes place 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 20, in the Monroe High School Performing Arts Center. The event includes music, dancing, desserts and other refreshments, along with a silent auction featuring 20 different themed gift baskets, such as Seahawks, Massage Envy, Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery, gourmet food and movie night. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for seniors, and will be available at the door.
Parent Cheryl Rolfson has been with the boosters for five years and has helped organize several Sweet Swing events.
"The Sweet Swing Spectacular event is a wonderful evening of jazz music from the jazz band and the jazz choir while enjoying dessert and refreshments,GÇ¥ Rolfson said. "It's an opportunity for the students to perform in a more formal, party-like setting.GÇ¥
Other band students, dressed in black for the occasion, serve the desserts.
There are 165 students in the Monroe High School band program, divided into groups that include ninth-grade concert band, symphonic band, wind ensemble, jazz band, percussion band, pep band and marching band. Instrumental music program director Lisa Ray leads the individual groups and is extremely dedicated to the students, Rolfson said, which has resulted in a very successful program.
"They are quite impressive when playing at games or marching in parades, and they often take first prize in competitions,GÇ¥ Rolfson said.
The Monroe High School Performing Arts Boosters is a volunteer organization made up of parents, who support choir and drama in addition to band. The Sweet Swing Spectacular is the first of two major annual fundraisers organized by the boosters, the second being a holiday gift-wrapping event. Funds raised during this year's Sweet Swing concert will support the band during the upcoming Seattle Heritage Festival in April.
It will also help fund the band's 2017 Disneyland trip, a once-every-three-year event in which band students travel to southern California to participate in the Anaheim Heritage Festival. Bands at the festival are critiqued, making it an incredible learning experience, Rolfson said. In addition to taking part in the festival, they hope to march in the Disneyland parade.
Money raised during Sweet Swing will help pay for transportation costs, baggage fees, entrance fees and food.
The Sweet Swing Spectacular event is open to the community, but organizers ask that young children do not attend. The event is meant to mimic a formal night out on the town, and does not include accommodations for small children.
"We are very thankful that the community supports our high school band program and we hope the community will come out and enjoy this evening of jazz,GÇ¥ Rolfson said.
Monroe High School is located at 17001 Tester Road in Monroe.Photo courtesy of Crys Nelson
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