Coconut Grove raises money for jazz bands

By Ben Baek,
HUB Staff Writer–

 

Once every year, the halls of the Emerson Junior High’s cafeteria transform into a dreamy oasis complete with swaying palm trees and bright light. But hidden among the palms is something that you wouldn’t find in your typical paradise; hung up on the walls are framed photos of jazz legends including Dizzy Gillespie, John Coltrane and Miles. This is Coconut Grove.

Coconut Grove is a dinner fundraiser hosted by the Davis High School Band Booster program which aims to provide funds for the symphonic and concert band for the various activities scheduled throughout the year. Among these activities is the annual trip to destinations such as Disneyland and New Orleans.

The event focuses on multiple bands playing jazz music while donors, who also receive a meal, get to listen and enjoy the performances. The line-up of the night includes not only the DHS jazz band, but also the junior high jazz bands, and Sax by Popular Demand, Crazy Eights and the J Street Jazz Cats.

Along with the donations to attend Coconut Grove as a donor, attendees can participate in the blind auction of works done by students and adults alike.

“It’s a long-standing tradition,” senior Kenneth Chow, who has played in the last three Coconut Groves, said. “They [members of the jazz band] serve dinner and desserts for the audience and Symphonic band people have an option to help serve food and be a waiter.”

Chow plays in Sax by Popular Demand and also mentioned that Coconut Grove is an integral part of how DHS bands afford their activities.

Senior Emma Maul, who has also played in the last three Coconut Groves and is currently a member of the Crazy Eights group, agrees with Chow about this aspect of the event. “I do Coconut Grove because I’m in jazz band and so I’m all in favor of raising money so we can go on more trips to festivals and other great experiences,” she said.

 

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