The jazz snappin’, field trip-going, singing groups of GlenOak: the Drifters and Notables. Drifters and Notables are the two jazz groups at GlenOak high school. Drifters consists of one sophomore, juniors and seniors and is directed by Brian Kieffer. Notables consists of freshmen and sophomores and is directed by Mary Meese.
Lately, the two groups have been going to many different events and performing for children, elders and the community.
“We’ve gone to a lot of nursing homes, churches, we’ve gone to a Greek Orthodox Church and Windsor Medical, and then we did a performance with Vocal Fusion at the Palace Theater,” Notables sophomore Katie Dever said.
The groups have gone to perform at private holiday parties as well. Going to all these places creating memories
“One of my favorite memories is hanging out with everyone while waiting to perform,” Notables sophomore Gus Krueger said.
Although these performances may be fun, they do cut into school hours earning them extra homework.
“Due to missing school I’ve had to redo like three tests and I had to do a bunch of work,” Drifters junior Harrison Schankweiler said.
Having to deal with missing school work that piles up quickly, it can cause stress for the performers.
“The absences are hard and it’s a lot of stress but I think that if you are focused and just do your best staying on top of your work and communicate well with your teachers then it’s worth it to miss school,” Dever said.
Communication is key when missing many days of school. Staying in contact with your teachers not only helps you get your work done but helps your teachers know what to expect as well.
“My teachers have been very understanding because I make sure I send them my schedule weeks before,” Drifter senior Malcolm Morgan said.
Even though dealing with the heavy school work, Drifters and Notables are grateful that they got to spread holiday cheer with everyone.
“I love it when you look out and you see people in the audience enjoying the performance and in between each performance it’s just really fun to hang out with everybody,” Notables freshman Kyra Halkias said.
“My favorite memory is being able to be with the drifters for the last year. It’s definitely different this year since it’s year 4 and it’s like the last chance to do all these experiences with everyone,” Morgan said.
The holiday season has been very busy for these performers and many more performances to come in the spring.
