PAAAS Jazz Ensemble wows audience at its Library debut

In their public debut, PAAAS Jazz Ensemble wowed the audience.

An octet of Plainfield high school students -- The PAAAS Jazz Ensemble -- debuted Tuesday evening at the annual meeting of the Friends of the Plainfield Public Library, wowing the audience with their classy performance of jazz arrangement both old and new, and ranging from 'cool' to 'hot'.

Under the leadership of director Greg Williams, who is also mentor, coach and champion, the young men exuded confidence and pure pleasure as they performed. The group featured tenor and alto saxes, trumpet, trombone, bass, piano, drums and guitar. All are students at the Plainfield school district's Plainfield Academy for the Arts and Advanced Studies, located in the former National Starch Headquarters complex on West Front Street at Rock Avenue.

Library Director Joe Da Rold and Board President Anne Robinson
accept 'check' for Friends' 2011 contribution of $37,000.

While the young musicians ate a well-deserved supper after their set, the Friends conducted its annual meeting, with election of officers for 2012. A 'check' for $37,000 was presented to Library Director Joe Da Rold and Library Board President Anne Robinson, representing the Friends' contribution for 2011.

The Friends of the Library is a support organization that holds various events throughout the year to raise funds to support programs and special projects of the Library. 2012 will feature the annual book sale on March 9 and 10, as well as the annual Wine Discovery benefit wine tasting. This year's Wine Discovery will be held in the spectacular new 'Reading Rainforest' young peoples' room.

Following the business meeting, Friends and the members of the Jazz Ensemble mingled and enjoyed desserts and conversation.

If you are interested in learning more about the Friends of the Plainfield Public Library, check out the library website here, and the Friends page here.

For more information about the Book Sale, contact Mary Ellen Rogan at (908) 757-1111 x132.

If you are part of a group that would enjoy hosting the PAAAS Jazz Ensemble, please contact Greg Williams at gwilliams@plainfield.k12.nj.us or at (908) 731-4390 x5142. Performing in public before local groups is a great way for these talented young performers to grow their confidence -- in preparation for the greater things I am sure will come their way.
 

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-- Dan Damon [follow]

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