The Jazz and Commercial Ensembles had their first concert of the season on March 15 at the Moss Performing Arts Center Robinson Theatre.

Even though they had to play their instruments wearing masks, the Jazz Band was eager to perform in front of a live audience again. The pandemic has changed many things, but it didn’t stop the band from playing their hearts out Monday night.

Senior Erik Olori who plays electric bass and acoustic bass was excited to be back on stage after not being able to perform in person due to COVID-19.

“It’s just the energy of the people around you, while we had virtual concerts or you play and you try to look at people and you don’t see anything, that energy, you don’t get it. I think that’s the thing I miss the most,” Olori said.

A Sophomore audience member Brenden Strohfus had a memorable experience at the jazz show, despite the changes made due to the pandemic.

“The jazz show was still very entertaining to watch even considering the changes made by COVID. My favorite part of the show was when they did ‘I’m Blue.’ The whole crowd was engaged and clapping with the beat of the song,” Strohfus said.

Being involved in jazz music has taught senior Nick Carozza who plays guitar, piano and oboe many life skills he frequently uses. Carozza’s ability to adjust in any situation came in handy when the Jazz band had to perform socially distanced and wearing masks.

“Jazz Music has affected my life in a profound way. The essence of jazz music is improvisation,” Carozza said. “For me it’s one thing to be able to practice a million times over, but to be able to actually be spontaneous and engage with a situation that you’re unfamiliar with, that’s a whole other skill for me and to develop that has really impacted me as a person, I feel like any situation I’m in, I’m able to adapt to it and jazz is a big part of that.”

To support Montrose Center for the Arts and listen to Nick Carozza’s first CD, Wine and Roses, head over to nickcarozza.com