Brookswood Secondary is turning back the clock to help students have better futures.
The school is hosting, for the 10th year in a row, Swing Night on Friday, June 1.
“All of our instrumental ensembles will be participating,” said music director Derrick Turi. “All of the repertoire will be based on swing, big band and dance music.”
That evening people can enjoy the concert and jazz bands, as well as the guest band Lil’ Mishka Electro Swing Band.
When people aren’t dancing, they can enjoy food, including desserts, and check out the silent auction.
“Food comes with admission, and coffee and bottled water will be sold,” he explained. “The silent auction is the main fundraiser.”
The school provides the music and FatCity Swing provides the dance lessons.
The doors open at 6 p.m. People can sit and enjoy the bands warming up. There’s free dance lessons from 7 to 8 p.m. Then it’s time for dancing until 10 p.m.
Advance tickets are $8 for students and $10 for adults. They can be ordered at the school office, 20902 37A Ave. Tickets will be available at the door for $12 apiece.
All proceeds from Swing Night support the school’s music program.
“Our music department is doing well and we are maintaining a reputation for great ensembles and skilled musicians,” Turi said.
The music courses include concert bands, jazz bands, music composition and now musical theatre orchestra.
The school orchestra has provided the soundtrack for the school’s musicals over the past nine years, including productions of Oliver, Grease, Legally Blonde, 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, In The Heights, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Urinetown and The Addams Family and Fiddler on the Roof.
The school has also had musical group travel to Whistler, Disneyland and Italy in recent years, and the hope is to travel to Eastern Europe next year, Turi noted.
