What fun! Third, fourth and fifth graders at two New London schools had the pleasure of seeing the our Jazz Outreach program on Dec. 18, organized by EWS Jazz Artistic Advisor, Jeff Barnhart. Many, many thanks to Jeff Barnhart (piano, vocals) and his wife Anne (flute, vocals), Jim Fryer (trombone, euphonium), Fred Vigorito (cornet, trumpet), Dan Levinson (clarinet, alto and soprano saxophones), Lou Boccarelli (bass) and Sal Ranniello (drums) … the amazing musicians who kept the children fully engaged as they journeyed through an introduction to the instruments, music from Ragtime to the Blues, artists Scott Joplin, Louis Armstrong, Benny Goodman and Bessie Smith, and even some jazz-styled, festive holiday sing-alongs. All prevailed even with an unexpected fire alarm – the real deal – that required vacating the building until the fire was put out. Thank you to all the teachers and administrators that make our performances possible and to the New London Fire Department for keeping us safe. We are grateful for funding through a grant from The Kitchings Family Foundation that makes this program happen each year.
Mihae Lee, Artistic Director
Essex Winter Series Brings Jazz to New London Schools
