The annual Jazz Concert also featured showstopping performances from both Oakleaf Junior High and Oakleaf High’s jazz ensembles. 

The Oakleaf Junior cafeteria was packed with parents, families, faculty and staff that arrived to celebrate and honor the school’s legacy. Also in attendance was Superintendent David Broskie, former junior high principal Larry Davis and former administrator Janice Tucker.  

Oakleaf Junior was the first school to be built in Oakleaf. Band Director Michael Summers was tasked with crafting the new school’s band program due to his musical expertise. When it was time for the K-8 school to open in 2006, Davis asked if he would join and create “the best band program in the district.” 

Twenty years later, the school has had a total of 360 jazz band members, some of whom returned for one last night of tunes on Tuesday. Some hadn’t played in years, while others went on to become professionals in the music industry. But their passion for the musical notes remained the same. Summers said the band rehearsed together for the first time Monday night.  

The sounds of alto, saxophones, trumpets, trombones, drums and vibraphones rang through the air by all the jazz bands. Oakleaf High and Oakleaf Junior’s ensembles alternated shows first, followed by several songs from the alumni. The grand finale saw both the alumni and current jazz players of Oakleaf Junior join for a rendition of “Celebrate” by Kool and the Gang.