March 13, 2023
By: Bill Conger
D.C.H.S. Band Director Don Whitt is all jazzed up. A small troupe of his musicians are working on a jazz concert to be performed at the Harvester Performance and Event Center on March 23.
“The Harvester has a smaller stage so we could not have everyone perform,” Whitt explained. “We will have 9 of our students perform to cover the parts we need. We will be playing a lot of jazz music from the 40’s. “Sing, Sing, Sing.” “My Funny Valentine,” and some arrangements from Grammy-award winning singer Michael Buble. We may just get out of the jazz era and into some rock and roll. I’m going to have some surprises because I don’t want to give it all away.”
Musicians performing will be Gavin Conger, Karson Smallwood, Owen Warren, Nate Hall, Ayden Jones, Jaden Wildes, Alexis Stanley, B.J. Mosely, and Cadence Orcutt.
Harvester owner Bert Driver approached Whitt prior to Christmas with the idea to host a benefit concert for the band.
“He could see what the band was doing, and he and a lot of people have watched how the band has come along just this year with awards, etc,” Whitt said. “He invited me to come to the Harvester, and it is just magnificent with the layout. We are very excited to play in that room.”
The D.C.H.S band concert will start at 6 o’clock March 23. Admission to the Thursday night event is free but donations are welcome to benefit the band. On Saturday, March 25, at 6 p.m. The Harvester will also raise money for the band through a spring formal with the Beasley Court Big Band. People will dress in 1920s theme attire with jacket required Check with the Harvester for Saturday event ticket prices.