Residents poured into the convention center Tuesday night as Selma High School hosted a mellow jazz concert accompanied by dinner. The program, “Jazzy Jazz Summer Extravaganza,” served as a fundraiser for the Selma High School Band, which is currently in need of new uniforms and instruments.

Brandon Williams, band director, also said he wanted the community to see what the Selma High band has been up to, and encourage more support.

“We’re here to show the city of Selma what Selma High School students are doing,” Williams explained. “We wanted to produce something classic, something that the city doesn’t really have. You won’t find a lot of jazz festivals that come to Selma.”

Along with the smooth sounds of a saxophone, keyboard and drums, attendees were provided with a clear image of the positive activities Selma High students have been participating in.

Through band participation, Williams said students are less likely to follow the wrong crowd and get into trouble.

“Selma High is known for its band and choir, so we need to make sure we put on a good show. It also keeps kids off the streets, keeps them out of trouble,” he said. If they always have band practice, they don’t have any time to get in trouble. I want to develop them and keep them off the streets, out of that life and make their parents proud of what they’re doing.”

Bobbie Keith, band booster president, agreed with Williams and said students who participate in band at Selma High School are channeling their time into something positive — something that could benefit them later on in the future.

“We really need the community to support the band and give these students encouragement and make them dream big,” Keith said. “We want them to learn how to play well and aspire to achieve big things.”

If the extravaganza turns out to be a success, like it was last year, Williams said he expects the band to have new uniforms before the first football game in the fall.

“These kids work very, very hard,” he said. “My goal is to make them ambassadors for the city of Selma.”