Swing, bossa nova, blues, samba, funk, bebop, tengo; Wantagh High School jazz ensembles were rockin’ the house Wednesday, March 6 at “An Evening of Jazz.”

The Wantagh Middle School Jazz Band, conducted by Mr. Anderson, kicked off the night. Pieces by Carol King, Jeff Steinberg, and Larry Barton filled the room with jazz licks and swing tunes. Performers that were featured as soloists included, Elena Scarano on alto saxophone, Tristan Cruz on drums, Jarod Sullivan on timbales, and Daniel Hirsh and John Schwally on trumpet.

Following the middle school jazz band was the Wantagh High School Vocal Jazz Ensemble, conducted by Ms. Alessi. They opened their performance with a George and Ira Gershwin song, “Who Could Ask for Anything More?” with guests, Mr. Meeks on drums and Mr. Saladino on bass. Solo songs were sang by Christina Tramantana, Nicole Weitzman, and Kara Arena. The group ended off their performance with the upbeat, well-known tune, “September,” by Earth, Wind and Fire.

Last, but not least, the Wantagh High School Jazz Ensemble, conducted by Mr. Aviles, ended the evening. The group performed songs by artists such as, Duke Ellington and Earth, Wind and Fire. Soloists included, Sam Hutt on piano, Mark Sales on tenor saxophone, Matthew Saltzman and Zach Rowles on trumpet, Maggie Tigue on voice, Blake Andreou on alto saxophone, Alex DeSalvo on guitar, and Frank Proscia on trombone.

Before the last song of the night, Mr. Aviles took the microphone and announced that Mr. Anderson would be retiring after this year. Mr. Anderson was featured as a solo trumpeter in the band’s last song, “Getaway,” by Earth, Wind and Fire. At the end of the tune, the audience gave both Mr. Anderson and the jazz band a standing ovation.

The auditorium was rocking, the audience was dancing in their seats, and everyone loved each performance. It was a real rockin’ night!