SOA fundraiser jumping
For 11 years now, the students, staff and parents at the Charleston County School of the Arts have organized themselves into a promotional and fundraising unit that hums like, well, a good jazz band.
"Jump, Jive and Wail" is an elegant presentation of big-band music by the 24-piece SOA Jazz Ensemble.
It will go on for the 12th time 7:30-11 p.m. Oct. 15 at the Charleston Visitor Center Bus Shed, 375 Meeting St., downtown Charleston.
Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. Get them from any SOA band member or go to myticket portal.com.
"The band will play three sets of music," said Basil Kerr, director. "The first set features big-band hits from Glenn Miller, Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Thelonious Monk and more. The second set adds some Latin tunes and a medley of beach music. ... The third set brings hits from great horn bands like Earth, Wind and Fire, and Tower of Power. We also will be featuring vocalists Emma Lieberman and Jasmine Lynes, and a special guest appearance by Mark Morris."
Band booster Michelle Howard (flutist Keith Howard's mother) said the fundraiser helps purchase and repair instruments, buy music and pay adjunct musicians for lessons.
"We work hard to provide an evening of entertainment for the whole family," she said. "(The event) is an opportunity to showcase our band program. The professionalism of the band and the camaraderie among those in attendance is evident as all have a great time in a beautiful setting, while dressed to the nines. This proves great fun can be had without alcohol or to the exclusion of anyone."
It's a community effort that features music, dancing, food and fellowship.
"Although the jazz ensemble provides the entertainment, all the high school band members work to make the evening possible: selling tickets, getting the word out and asking neighbors to attend," she said.
For the army of volunteers, Howard said, it's intense. The whole thing has to happen between 5 and 11 p.m., setup to cleanup.
"Typically, we have 800 to 1,000 people attend this exciting event," said Leo Schertz, SOA Band Boosters treasurer. "We try to keep the ticket price as reasonable as possible because we want it to be accessible to the kids.
"We try to net $5,000, but ... the expenses are high. We really would like more sponsorship. For a first-class event like 'Jump, Jive and Wail' and for such a great cause, I hope we can increase the fundraising every year."
The SOA band program includes wind and percussion ensembles. Several of the band students perform with the SOA String Orchestra. SOA musicians also perform in local orchestra programs such as the Youth Orchestra of the Lowcountry.
Other upcoming events include a free concert by the chamber ensembles at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 1 in the Rose Maree Myers Theatre at the school. And, the jazz ensemble will present "A Swingin' Good Time" on Feb. 4. This is a fundraising party for adults only, a formal affair with dinner, cocktails and a silent auction.
