The Palmer High Jazz Choir gave a Christmas performance and its rendition of the national anthem on Dec. 20 before an Assembly meeting at the Matanuska-Susitna Borough. Many in the audience were moved, including Assembly Member Dan Mayfield, who shared that with the crowd.
The Jazz Choir is an after-school club. Some 80 students auditioned for the 20 or more positions.
The director is Palmer High music teacher, Stan Harris, who was honored with a music educator of the year award last month at the All-State Music Festival in Anchorage. "Watching and listening to their progress and growth is magical," Harris says of teaching high school students music. Harris was a member of the 561st Air Force Band and has been a musician for more than 50 years.
Watch the Palmer Jazz Choir here. Filmed by Mat-Su Borough Public Affairs.