Acclaimed trombonist Michael Davis of The Rolling Stones shared his talent and passion for music with the budding musicians in the Schreiber and Weber jazz groups in late May, culminating in a Night of Jazz in the Weber auditorium on Wednesday, June 3. Davis visited with the ensembles and bands during school, playing and improvising with them, and then performed with them at the evening concert.
“This is a really unique event,” said Kevin Scully, the school district’s Director of Creative Arts, while introducing the students and Davis. “I am really excited that a wide range of students from 6th through 12th grades have shared it,” he continued. Scully thanked the HEARTS organization for sponsoring the performance and Davis’ visit to the Port Washington schools.
Davis has had an acclaimed career as a trombonist and composer for three decades. Although known as the trombonist for the Rolling Stones since 1994, he has also toured and recorded with Frank Sinatra from 1988 to 1994, released nine solo CDs, composed over 150 works, authored 10 books and appeared on over 500 CDs and movie soundtracks. He is currently performing on Broadway in Something Rotten.
The Night of Jazz began with the Weber 6th Grade Jazz Band, conducted by Jason Cherry. Next was the Weber 7th/8th Grade Jazz Band, led by Elizabeth Andrew. Two Schreiber groups ended the night, the Schreiber Jazz Improvisation Class, conducted by Anthony Pinelli, and the Schreiber Jazz Ensemble, conducted by John Meyer. Many of the students performed solos. To the delight of both students and parents, Davis joined the students on stage for many of their performances.
Davis has worked with Michael Jackson, Bob Dylan, Aerosmith, Tony Bennett, Jay Z, Branford Marsalis, Peter Gabriel and Paul Simon, among others. And, now the children in the Port Washington School District!
