CASPER, WY — On Oct. 21, Natrona County High School’s Big Band shared the stage with the University of Wyoming Jazz Combo for a lively evening of jazz at CitiWerks Café. The collaboration marked the first public performance of the NCHS Big Band this year and the first joint concert between the two ensembles.
Program Highlights
The concert opened with the timeless ballad “Autumn Leaves,” originally penned by Jacques Prévert in 1945, showcasing smooth saxophone lines and a gentle swing feel. The groups then moved through a varied set that included Latin‑style pieces, a New Orleans street‑beat number, and a techno‑dance‑hall arrangement of a French band’s tune.
One of the evening’s high‑energy moments was the modern big‑band arrangement of “Two Seconds to Midnight,” composed by Alan Baylock in 2003. The piece featured an electric‑guitar solo that blended rock, techno, and jazz elements, drawing enthusiastic applause from the crowd.
Student Voices
“We’re kind of all over the map. We’ve got some salsas, Latin jazz that we start with, and then we’re going to go into a New Orleans street beat… then we have a song from a big French band they play in techno dance halls… and then a modern big band to finish it up,” said Shawn Weis, director of the NCHS band program.
Senior saxophonist Hayes Hebert described the experience as “a really good opportunity to get to play with people that know their stuff.” Many UW musicians had come through the NCHS jazz program, making the event feel like a homecoming. “I’m from this high school, so it was really cool to get to come back and play with everybody and also get to mentor,” said UW trombonist Arielle Purcell.
UW saxophonist Aidan Freeman added, “I really love just helping out kids and spreading how fun music can be.” The collaborative spirit was evident as UW players occasionally joined the NCHS ensemble for shared numbers, enriching the sound and providing mentorship opportunities for the high‑school musicians.
Community Impact
The concert highlighted the strong musical pipeline between Natrona County High School and the University of Wyoming, demonstrating how local education programs can nurture talent that later contributes to higher‑education ensembles. Parents, teachers, and community members praised the event for offering a family‑friendly cultural experience in downtown Casper.
“Events like this bring our community together and give our young musicians a platform to shine,” said a local parent who attended the show. The performance also underscored the value of supporting arts programs in schools, a priority for many families who see music education as a vital component of a well‑rounded upbringing.
Looking Ahead
Both ensembles plan to continue their partnership with additional joint performances later in the academic year. The NCHS Big Band is preparing for upcoming regional competitions, while the UW Jazz Combo looks forward to participating in university‑wide concerts and community outreach events.
For more information about future performances or to support local music programs, readers can contact the Natrona County School District’s music department or the University of Wyoming’s School of Music.
Original reporting: Oil City News (Casper WY) — read the source article.
