The Eastman Community Music School will dedicate a “Night of Jazz” series of free concerts to Michael Hall Jr., the 16-year-old Macedon student who died in a fire at his home on April 23. Donations for the teen’s family will be accepted during the concerts.
The performances go from 5 to 9:30 p.m. in the Eastman School of Music’s Kilbourn Hall on Thursday, June 2, and feature recitals by five ensembles: two Eastman Community Music School jazz combos directed by Mike Kaupa and Chris Teal (5 to 6 p.m.); the Eastman Youth Jazz Orchestra Juniors and Seniors (6:15 to 7:15 p.m.); the Eastman Community Music School Saxology Jazz Combo (7:20 to 8 p.m.); and the Eastman Youth Jazz Orchestra with guest soloist trumpeter Mike Kaupa (8 to 9:30 p.m.)
Michael was a sophomore at Palmyra-Macedon High School, where he was active in theater and music groups. He had been taking trumpet lessons at the Eastman Community Music School for the past year and was a recipient of the School’s Boehmler Scholarship. Michael was also a self-taught piano player who enjoyed composing and arranging. The Eastman Community Music School Trumpet Ensemble performed at his memorial service on May 3 at Cross Creek Church in Palmyra.
Howard Potter, director of the Eastman Community Music School and associate dean for continuing education at the Eastman School of Music, will make short remarks between sets during the June 2 concert. Donations in the form of cash or checks (made out to Alice Hall) will be accepted.
For more information, contact the Eastman Community Music School, 585-274-1400.
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