Roosevelt Jazz presents the 25th anniversary performance of “The Jazz Nutcracker,” a unique interpretation of Tchaikovsky’s classic, reimagined by Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn. It has challenged and inspired generations of young musicians at Roosevelt High School for a quarter of a century.
Sat., Dec. 7th evening performance
7:30 p.m.|Roosevelt High School Theatre
1410 NE 66th St., Seattle, WA 98115
Purchase tickets: Youth and seniors $15; General admission $25.
Preorder charcuterie box, commemorative ornament, and poinsettia.
“This music is so important, not only to our school, but also our greater community,” 11th-grade Roosevelt High School Jazz Band 2 saxophone player Elizabeth Speert said. “I had to accept that I need to work hard at this music to hold up all the history it holds with it.”
Honoring the past
Roosevelt Jazz’s 25th anniversary performance honors our students’ musical dedication and showcases the program’s continued evolution. This year our nationally acclaimed high-school jazz band shares the stage with the program’s three other award-winning ensembles, Jazz Bands 2 and 3 and Roosevelt Vocal Jazz. In addition to the technically challenging “Jazz Nutcracker Suite” music written for the virtuoso members of Ellington’s band, our ensembles will perform other holiday jazz tunes.
Roosevelt Jazz director emeritus Scott Brown reflects on how he brought this beloved tradition to the program and made it a cornerstone of our program’s repertoire: “It’s demanding. It’s authentic. It has rich musical themes and is totally American—and it’s fun.”
Helping others
Roosevelt Jazz hopes the good will generated among both the creators and consumers of this holiday music will extend to those youth who need it most.
“The festive feel of the holidays is how The Jazz Nutcracker warms the soul,” said RHS Jazz Band 1 trumpet player Justin Davies, who will perform The Jazz Nutcracker for a second year. “During these cold, winter months, The Jazz Nutcracker offers a place of warmth and refuge. It’s joyful tempo and feel makes you feel lively.”
This year, Roosevelt Jazz partners with Teen Feed, helping extend the joy of the season to our broader community. Teen Feed is a nonprofit dedicated to offering support to meet the basic needs of unsheltered Seattle youth.
Each performance will include a festive pre-reception and intermission offering holiday inspired treats and gifts. When you purchase a ticket, please consider adding an additional donation that will go to Teen Feed. Learn more about the nonprofit’s import work here.
Please join us in this community tradition that brings together music lovers from all generations in a joyful seasonal celebration. All ticket sales directly support the jazz education of more than 90 public school students. Thank you!
