Jazz Under the Stars at John C. Daniels School

NEW HAVEN — The John C. Daniels School Benefit Concert, “Jazz Under the Stars” will begin at 7 p.m. April 12 in the school’s courtyard.
The concert will feature the Yale Jazz Ensemble under the direction of Thomas C. Duffy. It is sponsored by Local 35, the union representing servicing and maintenance work at Yale. Guests are invited to bring a blanket or cushion.
All proceeds from this benefit will purchase high quality new instruments for school’s band students. The instruments will provide the opportunity for more advance playing and go with the students as they matriculate at high school and beyond, school officials said.
The Yale Jazz Ensemble, a 17-piece big band, will treat guests to a special performance as they perform a wide variety of music, from the music of standard swing bands to the newest, most progressive jazz compositions, organizers said. The ensemble has performed both in the United States and internationally at such noted venues as New York’s Village Vanguard and Iridium Jazz Club, and London’s Ronnie Scott’s. The YJE has played with or opened for the Mingus Big Band, the Mel Lewis Jazz Orchestra, the Toshiko Akiyoshi/Lew Tabackin Big Band, the World Saxophone Quartet, Jane Ira Bloom, Jimmy Owens, and Branford Marsalis.
Duffy is the director of bands at Yale University and adjunct professor in the Yale School of Music. Duffy will lead the YJE and will invite selected Daniels students to perform with the ensemble.
A commitment to community motivated Local 35 to sponsor the benefit concert. According to Robert Proto, president of Local 35, “Our organization is proud to support the mission of John C. Daniels School. Helping provide resources to advance their music program is a great way for our members to contribute back to our community.”
Suggested donation is $5 for adults, children are free.
To reserve tickets, call John Miller at 203-623-8691 or by email PTO-Daniels@new-haven.k12.ct.us

Editor's note: The information in this post was wholly provided by John C. Daniels School.