Tarpon Springs Jazz Band Records Salute To First Responders

TARPON SPRINGS, FL — Tarpon Springs High School's award-winning Jazz Ensemble didn't let social distancing and school closures keep them from making music.

The band found a way to perform together using technology. The result is a rousing tribute to the community's front-line workers in the war against coronavirus.

The spirited rendition of Duke Ellington's "Jump for Joy" was among the songs the Tarpon Springs Jazz Ensemble was scheduled to perform in New York this week at the 25th Essentially Ellington High School Jazz Band Competition and Festival. The competition, along with the jazz band's spring concert, was canceled due to the pandemic.

Each student recorded him or herself on their phones or computers. The sound came together through editing by senior Sammy Hanson with help from band director, Chris De León.

"Recording in this manner presents all sorts of challenges," said Hanson. "But it was all worth it to be together again even if just through a video screen."

“This project wasn't about performing perfectly," said band director Chris De León. "It was about coming together and creating music again as a musical family and giving our students something to strive for.”

The students dedicated their first virtual big band performance to The Ana Grace Project.

Founded in 2013 in memory of Ana Grace Márquez-Greene, The Ana Grace Project was born as a response to the tragedy that took her life in Sandy Hook, Connecticut, On Dec. 14, 2012.

“Love Wins," the slogan adopted by her family immediately after the tragedy, has become a rallying cry for students around the country dedicated to promoting love, community and connection through music and the arts.

Those wishing to donate on behalf of the Jazz Ensemble can click here.