The Sound of Art

It was a fun night of music and entertainment as the Saratoga Jazz Band performed in front of an audience at the Saratoga Art Festival. Each student played a different musical instrument that had a unique melody that brought you back to the classic days of music.

As the band performed their songs, musicians each took a turn at a solo throughout the performance. Jaida Jennings sang “I Attempt from Love’s Sickness to Fly” by Henry Purcell. This classic song comes from the 17th century in the year 1664.

“I started singing in 7th grade,” Jennings said. “Mr. (Greg) Paulson offered a choir class and I decided to take the class and I’ve stuck with it ever since.”

Jennings went on to take private lessons to improve her singing skills which helped her perform.

“I took private lessons at the University of Wyoming (UW) and Western Nebraska Community College,” Jennings said. “ I was also offered a music scholarship at UW.”

Jennings said she is looking to continue singing throughout college. When she graduates from Saratoga, she will major as a Speech Pathologist at UW.

Carol Blake played the piano when Jennings was singing. She said Thursday’s event was a lot of fun and a great night of music.

“It was a lot of fun to see everyone together and the arts combine,” Blake said.

“I have lived here in Saratoga for 18 years. I have been a pianist and organist over the years. I studied music in other states and earned my master’s degree in piano.”

Griffin Bartlett was also one of the music performers in the jazz band.

Bartlett did a solo performance with the drums and the bongos. Bartlett talked about how he balances the time between playing music and performing in athletics.

“My dad loved to play music and was an All-State tuba player in high school,” Bartlett said. “I inherited that gene from him. I didn’t do it at first but, when I got into the 5th and 6th grades, I started to love playing music.”

Bartlett found his interest in drumming and bongos, He said Paulson allowed him an opportunity to play in the Jazz Band.

“ I had an interest in drumming and Mr. P gave me a shot in the Jazz Band,” Barlett said. “My brothers also played but they did not have the passion that I had. My dad taught me and showed me some things about music.”

Bartlett said playing music did not interfere with his concentration in his athletics. He said he always balances his time and plays music at school more than he does at home.

Paulson said the staff members of their department planned this event. His Jazz Band was welcomed at the Art Festival so his students could display their talent in music.

“Three of our departments came together to plan this event,” Paulson said. “Our food, visual arts, and music classes all came together to showcase what the students have done all year.”

Paulson has been teaching music at Saratoga for 8 years. Before that, he had a long teaching career at Natrona County High School in Casper and intended to finish his career at Dean Morgan Middle School.

“A friend of mine who used to teach at Saratoga told me the music department was ailing and it needed somebody,” Paulson said. “The superintendent at the time called me and I came down to look at the program. Lo and behold here I am eight years later.”