The NHSJE is directed by Randall Lamb. The group begins rehearsals following Spring Break and meets only after school hours. The ensemble presents their annual “An Evening of Jazz” concert at the end of the school year. This event often features a guest jazz band and guest soloists.
Previous guest bands have included the Ohio State University Jazz Band, the
Miami University Jazz Band, The Capitol University Big Band, The Youngstown
State University Jazz Ensemble, and the Pastels Big Band. Guest
soloists over the years have included: Larry Blocher (alto sax) Morehead State
University, Tom Battenburg (trumpet) Ohio State, Ola Hanson (trombone) the Buddy
Rich Band, Jim Rupp (drums) the Woody Herman Band, Vince Andrews (alto sax) the
Vince Andrews Band,
Jim Gallagher (tenor sax) the Jazz Arts Group, John Harner (trumpet) the Stan
Kenton Band, Vaughn Wiester (trombone) the Woody Herman Band, Jim Carrol (alto
sax) the Woody Herman Band, Hank Marr (piano) the Jazz Arts Group, Don Gallehue
(alto sax) the Jazz Arts Group, Cabot Rea (vocalist) WCMH NBC4, and Leon Spencer
(vocalist) with the John Marshall Band of Philadelphia.
The Newark City Schools offer a summer music program for the band members in grades 5 - 12. Currently Mr. Workman and Ms. Bauer direct the bands involving the elementary and middle school summer bands and Mr. Lamb directs the high school band.
The summer band begins one week following the last week of school and runs daily (M-F) for five weeks. The summer band activity concludes with the “Summer Concert On The Square” which features all of the bands performing downtown at the gazebo.
The Pep Band is directed by RJ Schirtzinger and is made up of volunteer members from the two concert bands. The Pep Band performs at most of the home boy basketball games and at various community events. The group practices prior to each game and usually has a membership of about 40.