Wednesday, December 10, 2008 1:54 PM CST

The Scott Air Force Base Jazz Band, Shades of Blue, performed Nov. 25 at the Farmington Centene Center.

The concert was in conclusion of a jazz clinic held for eight high school bands. The list included Desoto High School, Farmington Jazz Ensemble, Farmington Middle School, Farmington Jazz Lab Band, North County High School, Jackson Jr. High School, St. Clair High School, and Viburnum High School.

“The full day of clinics was a fantastic day of music, and everyone improved and grew. They all enjoyed the experience,” said Farmington Band Director Kurt Bauche. 

The students participated in a day long jazz clinic with Reggie Thomas, a professor at Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville. He also performed that night with both the Farmington High School Jazz Lab Band as well as the Farmington High School Jazz Ensemble.

Shades of Blue is a 14-piece big band that performs many different types of music. They performed about 10 songs, including military themes. The crowd was entertained by solos from the performers including vocal soloist Staff Sergeant Albert Williams.

The band also performed some big band type music along with military songs. The group performs in six states — Missouri, Illinois, Oklahoma, Southern tip of Michigan, Wisconsin, and Arkansas.

They travel and give clinics to high schools and colleges, as well as performing at festivals throughout the Midwest. The group is active duty and just had some performers return from overseas.

The band has also performed the National Anthem for professional teams such as the Chicago White Sox, Chicago Bulls and Milwaukee Bucks.

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