On Wednesday, December 2, the Garden Street Academy Jazz Band held a holiday performance at Garden Court on De la Vina. This was the first off-campus gig for the group since they formed last year.
The concerts are part of the school’s effort to expand its project-based learning curriculum to include a community service component.
“Our projects focus on the process as well as a tangible result,” says Music Director Ian Putnam. “The students also gain a sense of teamwork because the projects are designed to be collaborative. They then look at ways in which to share or incorporate their project into the local community to render a positive outcome. Through music, the students brought enjoyment, edification, and a heightened sense of togetherness to a pre-exisiting community living environment.”
The band includes seniors Erica and Shelly, juniors Ray and Zach, sophomore Max, and freshman Miles.
The residents of Garden Court gathered in the parlor and enthusiastically applauded the kids for each of their six songs, which ranged from the early 1900’s to the late 1950’s. Many of the residents sang along joyfully, recognizing tunes from their youth. The students were invited to play again any time, and were told that this was the biggest turnout Garden Court has had of its residents for afternoon entertainment.
On Wednesday December 9th, the jazz band will travel to Montecito to play another gig at Casa Dorinda.
