Jazz Band calls all swing dancers for St. Patrick's Day
by JESSICA L. FINCH Associate Editor

Put on those dancing shoes and get ready to bid - it's time again for Amherst High School's annual Big Band Dance and Silent Auction.

"Come and enjoy the music. There will be some great items auctioned off," said Amherst Band Director Craig Incontro.

This is the 12th year that Amherst's band and orchestra students have organized the dance and auction.

From 7 to 11 p.m. Saturday, March 17, the Amherst High School gymnasium, 4301 Main St., will be turned into a jazz club featuring the award-winning Amherst Jazz Band playing swing and jazz music for three hours.

Anyone needing to take a break from swing dancing can waltz through the tables of silent auction items. Incontro said that in the past, items available for bidding included restaurant gift certificates, autographed sports memorabilia, tools and jewelry.

The money raised helps the students pay for the band and orchestra trips.

"We welcome everyone from the community to come in and listen to the band," he said, adding that 20 students are featured in the Jazz Band.

On March 3, six of the band members were featured in the All-Erie-County Jazz Festival. Last year, Amherst's Jazz Band was named the Top Jazz Band at a national band competition held in Virginia Beach, Va.

Students organize the entire event, do the legwork for the silent auction by asking community members for donations and also run the dance, with the assistance of Incontro and parent volunteers.

The Big Band Dance and Silent Auction has been the band and orchestra's largest fundraiser of the year.

Tickets cost $5. For information, call Incontro at 362-8354.