The Los Alamitos High School Jazz program will present its annual winter concert entitled “Inspiration 2020” on December 15, and the school released a “trailer” this week that hints at the first-ever concert that will include video and audio as part of the presentation.
The Los Alamitos High School Jazz program consists of three large director-led ensembles and three small-group student-led ensembles called jazz combos. Public performance of jazz music is at the heart of the program.
To stream the event, the school has set up a special web address where fans, boosters and parents can either contribute to the program or simply receive a digital key that will unlock the presentation.
According to the fundraising chair, Cynthia Murnane, while there is “no cost” to attend the performance, “we are hoping for donations.”
Parents and boosters connected to the program say fundraising is the key to retaining the excellence and opportunities for the many students participating in the program.
Murnane and Colleen Ryan, Booster Club President, have arranged several fundraising activities to generate support for the program.
They said the ‘Jazz Students’ and their parents will also be selling See’s candy for three Sunday’s at the Ganahl/Youth Center Christmas Tree lot: November 29th, December 6th and December 13th.
In addition, they plan to sell community business sponsorships to support our overall efforts. Sponsors will be advertised during the night of the concert.
And if fans want to entertain all of their senses, they have, “as part of our fundraising efforts,” made arrangements for Flippin’ Pizza in Long Beach and Wahoo’s on Los Alamitos Blvd to support take out dining during the night of the concert.
Accordingly, participants can mention Los Alamitos High School Jazz Program with their order and get takeout that night to enjoy with the concert. The Jazz program will generate 25% of the sales from these takeout orders.
“The cost of this program is significant and the additional needs as a result of COVID make our fundraising goal unique this year,” said Murnane.
According to Ryan, “normally we are fundraising for the kids to go to competitive music festivals-but this year we are fundraising for this special program and the additional technical and production needs that accompany it.”
Funds raised will be used to support the program, pay for production of the performance, teach kids about the technical aspects of music, and raise awareness about the school’s unique music program.
In addition to the three Los Al jazz combos, special musical guests include saxophonist Chad Lefkowitz-Brown and trumpeter Willie Murillo. They will perform with the jazz combos by making special guest appearances.
For additional info, call 562-209-2480, or email Cynthia Murnane,
Cynthia@auraclebrands.com or Colleen Ryan, colleen.ryan@csulb.edu,and visit https://youtu.be/wDlMWIiA3vo.
To reserve tickets, please visit: https://lahs jazz orchestra.anywhereseat.com.
Once participants receive their log in, organizers say they will be able to stream the show anytime from 7-11 p.m. Dec. 15.