Suttons Bay High School is set to host a remarkable musical collaboration as a high-level jazz ensemble from Michigan State University (MSU) returns to the community for the second time this year. This time, local students will have the opportunity to perform alongside the college group, creating a unique and inspiring experience for all involved.

Bringing the Jazz Maestros to Leelanau County

Reviving the Jazz Legacy at Suttons Bay

Suttons Bay Public Schools (SBPS) has been actively working to rebuild its arts programs, with the hiring of a new band director, Dante Billeci, being a key priority. Billeci, a graduate of MSU's prestigious jazz program, is determined to rekindle the school's once-thriving jazz orchestras. During his first year at SBPS, Billeci recognized that his students were not quite ready for the challenges of playing jazz music at a high level. However, a March visit by another MSU ensemble, the Be-Bop Spartans, sparked a newfound enthusiasm among the Suttons Bay High School musicians.

Fostering Collaboration and Inspiration

The upcoming event on November 10th promises to take the collaboration between SBPS and MSU to new heights. The concert will feature the Suttons Bay High School band students performing alongside the MSU Jazz Nonets, a collection of small nine-piece jazz ensembles that blend the sounds of big band with small-group performance. Additionally, renowned jazz guitarist Dan Wilson will join the ensemble, providing a unique opportunity for the local students to learn from and perform with a professional musician.

Empowering Students through Master Classes and Rehearsals

In the weeks leading up to the concert, Billeci has been introducing his students to jazz improvisation and the jazz style, preparing them to perform alongside the MSU Nonets. On the day of the event, the Suttons Bay students will have the chance to participate in a private master class with the MSU musicians, followed by a joint rehearsal with the college bands. This hands-on experience will not only showcase the students' talents but also inspire them to reach new heights in their musical pursuits.

Bringing the Arts to Leelanau County

Beyond the educational value for the students, the concert aims to bring the arts to the broader Leelanau County community. Billeci notes that the area has a strong arts community, and the March concert by the Be-Bop Spartans was well-attended, with nearly 300 tickets sold. The upcoming event is an opportunity to once again showcase exceptional musical talent and provide community members with a chance to experience world-class jazz performance in their own backyard.

Building Lasting Connections

The collaboration between SBPS and MSU's jazz program is part of Billeci's ongoing efforts to establish a lasting relationship between the two institutions. By exposing his students to the expertise and inspiration of the MSU musicians, he hopes to ignite a new level of enthusiasm and musicianship within the Suttons Bay High School band. This partnership not only benefits the students but also strengthens the arts community in Leelanau County, creating a ripple effect that resonates throughout the region.