ARLINGTON  — Members of the Arlington community had the opportunity to enjoy free jazz performances by the Arlington High School jazz bands on June 8 at the Gleneagle Golf Course.

AHS Band Director John Grabowski presented “Jazz on the Green,” performed by Arlington High School Jazz II and On Hold Jazz Bands at the Gleneagle Golf Course Family Restaurant Bar & Grill, at 6:30 p.m.

“Even some of our seniors who have been cut loose are coming to play and we couldn’t be more proud,” said Grabowski, who spoke highly of the students’ dedication. “This is really a club, it’s not for credit. They do this along with sports, AP classes and more,” he said.

Jazz on the Green is an annual event and sees mostly family and friends of the band members in the audience.

“It’s a general come and have fun kind of event,” said AHS senior Andrew Clark. Avery Scott, another AHS senior, agreed.

“It’s just a good way to get people exposed to jazz,” she said.

Exposure is key for stressing the importance of music and music education. Many of the jazz band members spoke of budget cuts and how they affect music programs in local schools.

“The choir program is being cut at elementary and middle schools,” said Matthew Miller. “They aren’t getting that experience,” said Scott.

“Fifth-grade band is being cut, so some kids have one year less experience,” said AHS sophomore Nick Taylor. Upcoming ASB President Christian Sanchez said that cuts to music education affect students in the long term, because it eliminates the foundation and fellow student Daniel Gonzalez agreed.

“People think that it’s no big deal to cut elementary and middle school programs,” said Gonzalez. “It is. You have to start somewhere.”

For more information on AHS jazz bands, visit Arlington High School’s website or contact band director John Grabowski at 360-613-6300.