Bill Lowe-Andy Jaffe Big Band at Williams College

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WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. – The Bill Lowe-Andy Jaffe Repertory Big Band will perform on Friday, Oct. 9 at 8 p.m. in the MainStage in the '62 Center for Theatre and Dance on the Williams College campus. This free event is open to the public but tickets are required and will be available one hour before the concert.

Renowned music educator Andy Jaffe and co-leader Bill Lowe, noted bass trombone player and tubist, bring their fresh and energetic big band, comprised of many of the finest players from all over the Northeast, to Williams to perform entirely original repertoire, mainly composed and arranged by leader Andy Jaffe, who for years has been among the vanguard of writers pushing the art of arranging and composition for big band into new frontiers, within the context of the tradition.

In this endeavor he fully exploits the colors available on his palette, continuously mixing them to create new shades and moods that can caress ears or raise hackles. Featuring full trumpet, trombone, and reed sections, French hornist John Clark as well as a rhythm section including faculty member Freddie Bryant on guitar and vocalist Nik Mathis, this is a rare opportunity to hear what a professional ensemble can do when it is unleashed to play the kind of music these musicians clearly love.
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St. Stan's Students Spread Holiday Cheer at Williamstown Commons

By Jack GuerinoiBerkshires Staff
WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — Students from St. Stanislaus Kostka School  in Adams brought the holiday spirit to Williamstown Commons on Thursday, delivering handmade Christmas cards and leading residents in a community caroling session.
 
"It honestly means the world to us because it means the world to them," said nursing home Administrator Alex Fox on Thursday morning. "This made their days. This could have even made their weeks. It could have made their Christmas, seeing the children and interacting with the community."
 
Teacher Kate Mendonca said this is the first year her class has visited the facility, noting that the initiative was driven entirely by the students.
 
"This came from the kids. They said they wanted to create something and give back," Mendonca said. "We want our students involved in the community instead of just reading from a religion book."
 
Preparation for the event began in early December, with students crafting bells to accompany their singing. The handmade cards were completed last week.
 
"It's important for them to know that it's not just about them during Christmas," Mendonca said. "It's about everyone, for sure. I hope that they know they really helped a lot of people today and hopefully it brought joy to the residents here."
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