The Cambridge Rindge and Latin School’s World Jazz Ensemble (WJE) is a class that meets on Thursday nights. It’s a class that rarely feels like a class — partly because it meets after the sun goes down, partly because the students who audition for it are very willing to commit those three hours each Thursday, and partly because of the special, welcoming, creative/collaborative vibe of the group overall.
WJE connects students to many music opportunities beyond CRLS — programs, masterclasses, instructors, international travel — and the students often organize themselves for music opportunities and events outside of class, referring each other to concerts, scholarships, gigs, etc.
Most WJE students go on to pursue music in some way after graduating from CRLS… but whether or not they end up in music, students always leave WJE with a foundation in listening, improvising, arranging, gig-preparation, and experience in a small ensemble setting that is rare for a high school to offer.
The past 4 years, World Jazz Ensemble had the honor of performing at Ryles Jazz Club in Inman Square. At those performances, family and friends packed the place without fail, knowing they’d get to share some good food and music with good people from the wider Cambridge community. We were very sad to see Ryles close in July of 2018, just three months after our final performance there. It was a touchstone for the neighborhood and city, and a gracious host for our group.
We wanted to produce this CD to commemorate our time at Ryles — although the music included on this disc is only a taste of the tunes we played over those four years. However, we do plan to continue this spring “jazz night” tradition in other location(s) going forward!
Even though Ryles has closed after 40+ years, the CRLS World Jazz Ensemble will continue bringing music and friends together — and we thank you for supporting our students and celebrating our time at Ryles.
It was a special 4 years at Ryles that our community won’t forget.
Written By: Hanna Carney
WJE Technical Director ‘19
Directed by Guillermo Nojechowicz