Benjamin is "In the Mood"

Benjamin performed at the Downers Grove South (DGS) Jazz Café tonight. Downers Grove South High School sponsored the event. There were three different Jazz groups from their school which performed as well as four junior high/middle schools (Lakeview JHS, O'Neill Middle School, Eisenhower JHS, and Jefferson JHS - which is Benjamin's school). I wasn't able to attend due to a Jefferson JHS meeting, but from past performances and concerts that I have attended, I know they did well.

Benjamin started band in 5th grade and plays the trumpet. It is actually Clinton's trumpet that he used in band growing up and played it for 7 years. Now that Benjamin is in junior high, he attends Band daily as a class instead of as an early morning extracurricular event. He does, however, attend Jazz Band Tuesday and Thursday mornings as an extracurricular event. He loves it! Although the Jazz band performs when the normal band performs at concerts, Mr. Carlson provides additional fun opportunities for Jazz band. They have their own special performances like tonight and performing at 8th grade graduation (so I am told), go out for breakfast across the street to McDonald's during their early morning practice occasional, and order pizza and watch a movie after school on a Friday. Although the students have to pay for their own food, I like that they receive more socialization outside of their practices.

Benjamin performed "Caravan" by Duke Ellington, "Blue Trane" by John Coltrane, and "In the Mood" by Joe Garland. Each song was arranged by Michael Sweeney. The song, "In the Mood" is Benjamin's favorite.