Many dream of performing in the Big Apple and sharing the stage with a big name. On May 25, with the help of alumni, Academy music students got to do just that. The day started in front of Lincoln Center’s David Geffen Theater. First on the bill were the Academy Jazz Ensemble which is led by Ken Fischer. They played three jazz numbers as busy New Yorkers paused to watch, cell phone cameras in hand, to capture the show before them.
Next up were “The Real Ambassadors” jazz choir, led by Dianne Mower. The group gets its name from the late Dave Brubeck who had a chance to hear a previoius version of the ensemble.
Famed jazz baritone Marion Cowings came by to watch and was amazed at what he was hearing. He was invited up to perform the last song of the set “One O’Clock Jump” with soloist Talia Quagliaroli; senior from Wethersfield.
Up next was Michael Winslow’s vocal ensemble “B Sharp” who ended the performance with three acapella numbers.
The time at the Lincoln Center campus was arranged by Academy alumnus Olivia Fortunato, who currently works as head of their “Young Music Makers” program.
Later in the day, the groups traveled to the Port Authority Bus Terminal where The Real Ambassadors and B Sharp repeated their set drawing the attention of travelers going in and out of the city for the Memorial Day weekend.
The opportunity at the Port Authority was from academy alumnus Adrian Untermyer, class of 2008 who converted an old security depot there into a performing space. When at the Academy, Untermyer majored in piano and played for the Real Ambassadors. He is currently pursing a law degree.