Band director Kevin Acuña led Madison Country Day School’s bands to a triumphant debut in the 2026 Jazz Showcase, impressing a crowd of more than 350 people with a “Night in New Orleans” theme.
To prepare for his first Showcase in February, Acuña asked students and faculty, “What did you enjoy about previous years’ Jazz Showcases?”
You might think he would take inspiration from the previous band director, Jon Schipper.
However, Acuña said he was encouraged to create the event his own way: “Mr. Schipper left me a note with everything I need to know, and all it said was ‘good luck.'”
The Showcase featured the progression of student band skills, with the 5th and 6th grade band opening, followed by the 7th and 8th grade band, before high school students took the stage.
Before the performance, Acuña expressed confidence in his students. “I think you all have done a great job, and I’m super excited to see your performances tonight,” he said.
The Yeah Men, a student-led jazz group, also performed, with lead singer Eleanor ’29, trumpet melodist Will ’27, alto saxophonist Marshall ’27, Jeremiah ‘28, Connor ‘27, Jagger ‘27, Caden ‘27 putting on a spectacular show.
Eleanor said she especially liked “running through everything with a more professional band” during practice, adding that playing with experienced musicians is “just so fun.”
“Adjusting to the New Orleans style and how that’s different from playing classical or normal band music” was a challenge, said Will. He was also excited to play his solos, with one in every piece the high school band performed.
The Showcase featured 30 tables in the gym, which was darkened with lights playing across the walls to create a New Orleans atmosphere.
After several MCDS band performances, the Red Hot Trad Jazz band amazed the crowd following intermission. Friday marked the first concert with all five members together. Crowd favorites included “Just a Closer Walk with Thee” and “A Graceful Ghost.”
Audience members praised the performances. “The band amazed me,” Frye ’29 said, adding that he might be inspired to play an instrument himself going forward.
“All of the bands sounded just phenomenal this year,” Tracy Koziol, vice chair of the Board of Trustees and a member of the planning committee, said. “I really enjoyed it.”
