By Jasmyne Ray | The Selma Times-Journal

The Selma High School “Marching Saints” will host their yearly summer Jazzy Jazz Extravaganza on Thursday, July 7 at the Carl C. Morgan Convention Center at 6 p.m.

The theme for this year’s concert is “A Night of Jazz Extravagance.”

Eleven band students have been practicing for the event since the beginning of June. The members were elected based on “the advancement of their playing skills.

“We’re going to play four [songs] by Miles Davis, we’ll play a little George Benson, and “My Funny Valentine.” said Brandon Williams, Selma High School’s band director.

Proceeds from the tickets sold will go toward the Marching Saints and will help with instruments, equipment costs and traveling expenses.

Junior saxophonist Alex Bell has been part of the Marching Saints for three years, but this is his first year as part of the jazz ensemble.

“I’m excited, but at the same time shaky a little bit,” he said. “Me personally, when it comes to playing solo stuff I get nervous when I’m playing them, but I’ll get through it.”

Senior Erin Mitchell says the concert is a chance for the ensemble to show how much fun they have playing and how much they enjoy playing for other people.

“I love it,” She said. “It gives people an excited feeling and it shows them that not just one genre of music can make you excited.”