Havre High students bring a Taste of Jazz to Havre

An audience heard performances ranging from big band songs to classic jazz during an annual fundraiser Monday benefitting the Havre High School music programs.

At the close of the annual Taste of Jazz concert Havre High choir teacher Dave Johnke thanked the Friends of Music organization for the work it does supporting the music programs, including providing college scholarships and scholarships to allow students to attend music camps.

Casey Pratt acted as master of ceremonies during the 1½ hour show in the high school gymnasium, which included students serving the audience pie, coffee, water and soda pop, with Pratt introducing the seniors in each group and entertained the audience between the sets.

The show opened with Belles Voix under the direction of choir teacher Thomas Baty performing "Taylor, the Latte Boy," followed by Baty's direction of the Hi-Liters performing the jazz classics "It Only Takes a Moment" and "Birdland."

The program then switched to instrumental music, with Johnke first directing the Quasi Big Band in "Playin' the Blues," "Freddie Freeloader,"and "El Taco Rocko"

The next performances were the Dixieland Jazz Ensemble's rendition of "When the Saints Go Marching In" and "South," followed by the Jazz Ensemble's performances of "Chrysanthemum," "St. Thomas" and "Doxy."

During the performances, Pratt introduced seniors Michael Ryne Antly, Shelbi Brough, Matt Curtis, Amanda Dolph, Danielle Friede, Zach Hellegard, Kali Kirkegard, Millie Loftus, Bethany Ordiniza, Oriah Pratt, Cassie Rennick, Amy Stevenson, Mikayla Voeller, Shelby Watson and Aubrea Worm.