Shake, rattle and roll. That's what local parents were treated to earlier this month when the Fort Mill High School Jazz Band took to the stage for its annual concert.

 

About 100 people turned out March 5 for the second annual concert. The foot-tapping, soul-stirring renderings commanded attention from the young and young at heart. "They're pretty good," said April Sutton whose son, Shane, made his drums sing. "They enjoy what they do."

 

Onlookers enjoyed mostly upbeat tunes complimented with two gospel renderings. Most of the tunes, which included "Ace High" and "The Shadow of Your Smile," were peppered with solo performances. But the concert was far from formal. While band members dressed in signature black and white, the mood was informal --a mandate issued by band director John Pruitt.

 

"We like it when we stop playing and hear talking," Pruitt told the audience just before the band struck the beginning chords to '"Amazing Grace." The idea: Have fun. "It's all about having a fun evening while hearing talented students enjoy what they do," he said. "We thought it would be nice to have an atmosphere that was lively and less formal."

 

The band treated the audience to 12 jazzed up tunes, including "Misty," "Send in The Clowns" and "All the Things You Are." "It's America's contribution to art music," Pruitt said of jazz. "The melting pot bought all kinds of rhythms and blues together."