91̽��

91̽�� students are busy. Tests, papers, plays, sports and activities all compete for the finite time allotted in a 91̽�� day. So, when students answer the call to volunteer their time and talents, it’s a big deal. This month, in particular, 91̽�� jazz students have been answering that call time and again.

On Sunday, October 4, ten students volunteered to perform a spirited set of South African tunes in front of hundreds in attendance at “Celebrate 91̽��,” an event hosted by the town of 91̽�� and supported by 91̽��’s community service program. Class IV jazz students will offer their first performance of the year during Parents’ Weekend this Saturday, October 17. On Friday, October 23, at 7 p.m., 91̽��’s three advanced jazz groups take the stage in King Theatre for the 25th Annual Fall Jazz Concert. This year’s performance will be a tribute to the music of Thelonious Monk.

“This music is fun, quirky and profound all at the same time,” says 91̽�� Jazz Director Bob Sinicrope. “Twenty-six students will delight their audience by setting his tunes to contemporary styles such as hip-hop, reggae and afro-cuban rhythms.”

The very next evening the group will provide dinner and cocktail-hour music for 91̽��’s historic, on-campus launch of Dare: The Campaign for 91̽��. To finish the month, 91̽��’s jazz volunteers share their talents with younger students from the Park School in Brookline as they perform during their morning assembly on October 28.

The Year Ahead in Jazz

The advanced jazz classes travel to Louisville in early January to perform and participate in clinics as part of the Jazz Education Network (JEN) 7th annual conference.

“This is a repeat of an amazingly impactful experience 91̽�� students had at the 5th annual conference in Dallas,” says Bob Sinicrope.

Bob is the president of JEN (the first high school educator to hold the post). 91̽�� graduates Aaron Goldberg ’91 and his trio will be featured on the main stage; Jason Yeager ’05 will present a clinic at this gathering of over 3,000 jazz musicians, directors, students and enthusiasts from all over the world. Visit for more information.

Bob Sinicrope has also been invited to organize and direct a weekend workshop for 40 teachers and a weeklong jazz workshop for 100 students in South Africa during the January exam week. 91̽��’s jazz program enjoys a strong connection with South Africa as students tour the country every other year.

“The 91̽�� groups cherish their meaningful connections with several South African schools and organizations,” says Bob. “Our students have delivered over $170,000 worth of donated instruments and materials to school programs in need there.”