Jazz ILMEA OR When in Doubt, Jazz it Out!

While most GHS students headed up to the school to support the football team in round 2 of Playoffs on November 9; two students Liliana Asta ‘26 and Luna Pham ‘27 headed to Hononegah High School in Rockton to participate in Jazz ILMEA. “We were both selected for the top vocal jazz ensemble this year where there are only three or 4\four people per voice part, which was a huge honor!” said Asta ‘26. 

While at the festival, Asta and Pham got to learn new complex jazz theories as well as sing four pieces featuring fun and different techniques. The girls’ day started with a full group rehearsal. They then had lunch, did solo auditions, sectional rehearsals, and then finally had their concert in cahoots with the other vocal and instrumental jazz groups. “Luna and I both got solos, which was the cherry on top of a great day!” said Asta. 

“Through all of our hard work, I’d say that the ILMEA Jazz Choir sounded like a professional one. Besides my very embarrassing voice crack that I will never get over, every solo was spot-on and just absolutely stunning,” said Pham. “I feel greatly honored to have been a part of such an amazing group of talented singers.”

The Jazz Choir rehearsed the whole day up until the performance. The girls both enjoyed the director, as he was a hilarious and superb director. The choir was so well prepared and professional with the music, that the director was forced to work on the nooks and crannies of the song. Overall both of the girls had a wonderful time and were honored to be chosen for such a high honor ensemble program.