The Jazz Messenger highlights the AHS Jazz Ensemble Benefit Concert, March 11
By WTJU
Albemarle High School Jazz Ensemble Director Andrew LaPrade and one of the band members will stop by WTJU this Friday, March 11, to talk about the annual Swing Into Spring benefit concert at Jefferson Theater this Sunday, March 13. This year’s beneficiary is The Haven.
The Jefferson Theater is back hosting the Albemarle High School (AHS) Jazz Ensemble “Swing Into Spring” Benefit Concert on Sunday, March 13, 2022, at 7:00p.m., featuring the nationally-acclaimed AHS jazz band and an all-star lineup of the area’s top professional musicians
sitting in with the ensemble. This event is designed as a benefit for the band to give back to the Charlottesville community.
The award-winning AHS Ensemble, under the direction of Andrew LaPrade, has for decades earned high-profile regional and national recognition for its consistent dedication to excellence, and for its unwavering respect and love for this uniquely American art form. The group has enjoyed the support of the Charlottesville community and is proud to headline an event to give back to this same community. For this year’s event, the Albemarle High School Jazz Ensemble is holding this benefit concert to support the Haven.
The Haven is a multi-resource day shelter in downtown Charlottesville. Its mission is to end homelessness in the greater Charlottesville community. No matter the reason or circumstances, the Haven welcomes everyone to a safe environment.
According to director Andrew LaPrade, “This is a great opportunity for our students to interact with and play with some of the areas great musicians of all genres. In working on this project, the students have become aware of cultural issues that affect the area in which they live. This concert is a springboard to continue this line of work to better their community.”
