YORKTON – The Yorkton Regional High School Music Department is set to host a lively Big Band Swing Dance.
The event, a fundraiser for their upcoming music tour to Terrace, B.C., is scheduled for March 6 at the New Horizons Seniors Centre, featuring live performances from the YRHS Jazz Band, the Yorkton Community Jazz Band and various vocalists.
"It's a big trip which requires big fundraisers and big band swing dances are nothing but a good time," told Katia Georgeson, Music Director at the YRHS, in an interview with SaskToday.ca
The upcoming music tour will take the students to the Pacific North West Music Festival in Terrace at the beginning of April. To support this venture, the YRHS Music Department has been actively fundraising through various means, including bottle drives, chocolate sales, admission-by-donation concerts, bake sales and a plan to work the canteen at an upcoming sporting event.
"Always running around trying to find things to fund raise with," said Georgeson, reflecting on the ongoing efforts.
The dance event promises an evening filled with classic swing tunes, including favourites popularized by Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington and Count Basie. For those new to swing dancing, there will be lessons starting at 6:30 pm, half an hour before the main event kicks off at 7:00 pm.
"Half-an-hour before the dance starts, we're going to have some swing dance lessons. We have two instructors that will be coming in and teaching swing dance lessons for those who want it," said Georgeson.
Attendees are encouraged to dress in a style reminiscent of a 1925 swing dance but are welcome to come in comfortable attire.
"Dress nice but dress comfy if you want. It's casual to an extent where we don't want anybody to feel pressured—all are welcome—but there's nothing wrong with getting up in your fancy dresses or in your nice suit—wear your dancing shoes and come show off—bring a date."
Raffle tickets, desserts and drinks will be available for purchase at the dance. Early bird tickets can be bought from YRHS music students or through the school's front office at $10.00 for students and $20.00 for adults. Tickets at the door will be $15.00 for students and $25.00 for adults.
Georgeson highlighted the students' dedication and excitement for the event:
"They're putting in the extra time to make sure it's dance-able music for the event. Some of these charts they already knew and some of the stuff is new to them."
Georgeson said the community's support will play a vital role in the success of the fundraiser.
"It's got a lot of potential for us and it will be one of those things where the community makes it what it can be. If people come out and enjoy and bring people and spread the love of music at an event like this it's got a lot of potential for us as a fundraiser," said Georgeson.
"It's a fun one. We're really excited about it. The students are excited. The community band is really excited for it. It's going to be a fun night," added Georgeson.
