Jazz band will light up not only local communities’ holiday trees, but its season on November 25.

The band will play at the Glen Rock tree lighting on November 26 and the New Freedom tree lighting on November 25.

Trumpet player Josh Stewart is excited to play at the lightings.

“I am very excited. It’s my favorite part of the year, except for Jazz Fest at the end of the year,” said Stewart.

Saxophone player Matthew Sharkey has faith in jazz band playing at the tree lightings, saying, “We’ll do great like usual!”

Band director Christian Poole is not too worried about the performances.  

  “Each rehearsal we’ve had, we get better each one. We’ve been playing the same music for the tree lightings for a while, so it’s not that new,” said Poole.

After the tree lightings, the band will play at the holiday concert, the winter concert, a swing dance at the elementary school, the spring concert and Jazz Fest at the end of the year.

Poole says his goal for jazz band this year is to push the musicians to do their best.

“The goal always surrounds the level of the musicianship in the band. I always try to push the group,” said Poole. “We get into playing odd meter music, and all styles, and it’s really gauged on the membership of the band. We always try to play music that people will like listening to while maintaining a good balance, so it’s not too hard for the band players.”

The players have goals for the year as well.

“[My goal is] to try my hardest and play as well as I can and really practice,” said Stewart.

Sharkey says his aspiration for the season is to improve his skills.

“My personal goal is to improve my skill, be able to work on better rhythmic capabilities, and musical abilities. I want to get better.”