Pennridge Hosts Another Jazz on the Ridge

Sara Getejanc, Student Writer

On Friday, March 6th from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m., the Pennridge Music Association presented Jazz on the Ridge at Pennridge High School. Six high schools competed in the A-class: Perkiomen Valley, Archbishop Ryan, Pennridge, Upper Merion, Pennsbury, and Council Rock North. Two schools, New Hope-Solebury and William Tennent, competed in the open category. The Pennridge Jazz Ensemble band did not compete, but they played in the exhibition category towards the end of the show. Mr. Czaplicki, a teacher at Pennridge, was the announcer of the night. There were three judges who scored each of the performances and gave awards to soloists and sections. The first judge was Chris Kilian, who is a freelance composer and educator across the Mid-Atlantic. The second judge was Kevin Rodgers, a Cavalcade of Bands adjudicator. The final judge is Wilbur Wittmann, a retired Director of Bands and Jazz Studies at Georgian Court University. The performance schedule had each school perform for 25 minutes with a break around 7:25 p.m. which was 25 minutes as well. During the break, the audience could visit the concessions, play Plinko, and bet on the 50-50 raffle in the main hallway.

Mr. Kevin Feher, director of the Pennridge Jazz Band and Ensemble, commented on the preparation of Jazz on the Ridge. He says, “The Jazz Band and Ensemble students have been practicing and rehearsing since December to begin the jazz season”, which is the kickoff to their competition season where the bands go to different schools and compete against each other. Mr. Feher gave kudos to the Pennridge Music Association, the parent groups that have been working behind the scenes to prepare for this night. The Pennridge Jazz Band is an audition-based group for freshmen through seniors. The two Pennridge bands practice twice a week after school.

There were many awards given out on Friday night. There were four awards given per category for the best section. Between three and six soloists were awarded in various categories. Many other band members were awarded with an honorable mention. One special award, the John McMordie Memorial award, was given to the best trumpet section in the open class. This year, that section was from William Tennent. John McMordie is a Pennridge High School graduate from the class of 2011. Unfortunately, he passed away in August, 2016. The award is given on his behalf because of his love for the band and because he received many solo awards in past jazz competitions. After all of the awards were given out, Mr. Czaplicki, the announcer, closed out the presentation. The Pennridge Jazz Ensemble played their final songs while the crowd filed out of the auditorium.