Thirteen members of the Whitefield Academy jazz band took to the road recently to perform at Sea Island on the Georgia coast. The band played multiple venues including The Lodge at Sea Island, a five-star golf resort; Magnolia Manor, a retirement home; Ocean Forest, another golf resort,; and Wesley United Methodist Church on St. Simon’s Island, The band entertained vacationers and residents with a variety of “big band” tunes, blues numbers, and even contemporary pieces to rave reviews.
“I’ve been working on the island for 35 years,” said one butler at The Lodge. “I have heard many, many jazz bands, but none as good as yours.”
The jazz band has 53 song charts in their repertoire and is prepared to play one of these 53 songs on the spot, giving audience members the pleasure of shouting out requests and favorites.
“At one location the students played for over an hour and a half because people in the audience would not let them stop,” said Timothy Unsicker, Upper School history teacher. “They were enthralled with the music.” Unsicker drove the students to south Georgia and expressed deep admiration for their talent and professionalism.
That jazz band has been taking a trip to Sea Island every other year since 2008. Each year, the group adds a new twist to its performance.
This year, the band added a vocal element; junior Kaitlyn Johnson sang the popular Nora Jones song, Don’t Know Why, and Skyfall by Adele.
“People were simply mesmerized by Kaitlyn’s voice,” said Stacy Quiros, Whitefield fine arts director. “She stood in the back next to the keyboard and people would move around the room trying to get a glimpse of the face behind the beautiful voice.”
The response of the audiences ranged from tears to laughter as men and women of all ages enjoyed a glimpse into another era. One man with Alzheimer’s Disease, who had always been still and quiet, according to his caretakers, got up from his chair to dance and invite ladies onto the floor to dance as well. Another man loved the music so much he said, “Jesus is smiling down on all of you today.”
In between performances the jazz band enjoyed beach volleyball, swimming, dinner at seafood restaurants and pizza parlors, and an evening of playing games like spoons and Monopoly. Each night they slept at Quiros’ home on the island.
“This trip was the best yet,” said Quiros. “Everyone just enjoyed each other’s company and playing music together. My favorite part was the service we had at my home on Sunday morning. We shared thoughts about scripture, prayed together and just thanked God for His blessings.”