A diverse crowd gathered Thursday evening in Sacramento State’s Capistrano’s music recital hall to watch the performance of sac state’s own jazz ensemble and that of guest performers, the Rio Americano High School Jazz Ensemble.

An audience that consisted of all age groups and primarily families quickly filled the dim room, and turned its attention to the spotlights that illuminated the stage.

The show started with an instant roar when Sac State started off the show with a number entitled “Anthropology.”

The high-energy performance gave off of an upbeat 1920s feel, I found myself feeling like I had walked into a scene from the 1993 film “Swing Kids.”

The sounds of drums and trumpets dominated the song as they played vibrantly.

As I looked around me I saw a serious audience, some of whom were staring intently as if trying to study the performers playing.

Other audience members shook their heads along to the beat, allowing themselves to get lost in the music.

Although the room was full of supporting family members and friends, it became clear that Sac State’s biggest fans were sitting up front next to me, the Rio Americano High School ensemble.

The fellow jazz players cheered and clapped after every solo and change of tune.

Steve Roach, program director, said a possible reason for Rio Americano’s continuous applause, ” Rio Americano are amazing musicians we try to incorporate their players into our band,” Roach said as he pointed out three high school students playing along with Sac State”s ensemble.

The ensembles from both schools gave uplifting performances.

The passion of the foot-tapping musicians, who closed their eyes with red faces as they blew air into their instruments, gave off a raw feel of the music and lured in the audience.

Rio Americano took the stage next, without breaking the great flow of music.

With a breathtaking saxophone solo performed by Zach Darf, the ensemble performed four songs all without missing a beat.

They played with an intent focus on their craft, which was visible throughout their performance.

The most inspiring performance of the night came when Sac State’s 1:30 p.m. jazz ensemble took the stage.

Their second number, “Sweet Time Suite,” a seven-part musical composed by Kenny Wheeler, of which they played the first two parts was led by the singing vocals of Melissa Fulkerson.

Fulkerson’s voice, along with strong solo pieces from the piano and the saxophone, helped build an amazing momentum for the song.

Samantha Weiss, junior photography major, agreed with my sentiments of the Wheeler pieces being the most powerful of the night.

“I come to a lot of jazz shows since my brother plays,” she said. “Tonight was the first time I saw a performance with singing, it was really good,”

Roach ended the night by thanking audience members for their support.

As I exited I saw that the ensembles not only had the support of people but also a strong regard for their appreciation.

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