On Saturday, May 9, 2015 the Bel Air High School Jazz Band hosted the fourth annual Swing Dance.

The Swing Dance is the biggest fundraisers for the Bel Air High School band program. Over the past four years the dance has steadily grown in popularity, reaching about 200 attendees each year.

Unlike all the other dances at Bel Air High School, the Swing Dance features live music. Members of the Jazz Band begin preparing for the Swing Dance at the beginning of the school year. They build up their set lists gradually, testing out their material at school concerts and other live events throughout the Bel Air community.

“I think the student musicians feel pressure whether it’s an audience of one or one thousand. They really aim to please, and I do know that the performance is definitely enhanced by the audience response,” says Band Booster President Beth Nash.

This type of performance provides the students with a unique opportunity – audience/performer interaction.

“The awesome thing about the swing dance is the transfer of positive energy between the band and the audience. When everyone is dancing and cheering us on, it serves as a motivator for us to play even better,” says three year swing dance veteran and Senior Trumpet player, Taylor Quinn.

The beginning of the night featured swing dance lessons from local professionals. Since the art of swing dancing is not extremely common the professionals were able to teach the attendees how to groove with the jazz music that would be played later that evening.

After the lessons, the BAHS Jazz Band takes the stage. The Jazz Band plays three sets with a ten minute break in between to give everyone a chance to rest and get ready for the next set. During the night there are snacks and a silent auction for everyone to take part in.

“One thing I would say to someone who has never gone to the Swing Dance before is not to judge the event based on your taste in music. This event is so much fun for all ages! Whether you like jazz music or not, three hours of this live, energetic music and dancing is bound to make you feel happy!” says Nash.

If you have never attended a Swing Dance, take a step out of your comfort zone next year. This dance is unlike any other at Bel Air and is nothing short of a swinging good time!