Jazz is a widely known genre of music. For over a century, it has inspired generations of musicians to create, and is celebrated as the pioneer of many unique sounds and styles that are popular today. Though the buzz for jazz has decreased since the 1920s, the genre is still celebrated and performed through jazz bands all around the country. “Jazz band is special. It’s so different from everything else, and I guess that’s what makes it beautiful,” remarked one freshman trumpet player. It is clear that the students love jazz, and Henry M. Jackson High School has answered the call by hosting the annual Possession Sound Jazz Festival at Everett Civic Auditorium. 

It is an opportunity for middle school and high school jazz bands to perform in front of an audience without judgement. The festival also offers clinicians, who are experts in the art of jazz music. These clinicians offer extremely valuable insights after hearing the performances. One such clinician is Trevor Ford, a bass player. He commits multiple hours to watching and giving feedback to numerous jazz bands. His extensive knowledge and experience with the art is greatly appreciated in the clinic room. “I am really impressed by the diversity I saw on the stage. It gives me a lot of hope that this art form will survive for many years to come,” said Mr. Ford. 

The Pony Boy All-Star Big Band was invited to the festival for a performance, with time afterward for the talented musicians to answer questions about their experience. The band performed an incredible set of jazz standards highlighting the beauty and intricacies of jazz. “It was really cool to see what’s possible at such a high level,” gushed a Jackson High School piano player. Among the artists was multi-instrument musician, Jay Thomas. Jay Thomas has a very storied career appearing on over 100 tracks, including numerous solo CDs. Although he has already gained a lot of fame, Mr. Thomas still loves to play in these alternative settings. Performing at the Possession Sound Music Festival is but one way he is helping the next generation learn to love jazz. When asked, he said, “I would do it for free in my house.” 

The festival was a huge success with dozens of stellar performances from bands at all levels. The festival combined a wide variety of people; 6th graders who only started their instruments in September were able to learn and watch 12th graders who had played their instruments for over 5 years. Dozens of bands came out to exploit this incredible opportunity being offered by Jackson High. “It was really exciting to see the sheer quantity of bands present,” said one clinician. The Possession Sound Jazz Festival is a core part of jazz programs in numerous middle and high schools, and will retain this status as a yearly tradition of celebrating the talent in these jazz bands.