Friday seemed like just another early morning of students walking into Scituate High School eager for the weekend. But as they filled the halls they might have been surprised to see (or rather hear) something a little out of the ordinary. The sound of Bruno Mars’ jazzified hit song “Locked Out of Heaven” spread throughout the crowded corridors of SHS, beginning another year of the infamous SHS tradition “Jazz at the Stoop.”

   Three years ago Zach Brazao ‘12, Richard Arnold ‘12, Christopher Robotham ‘13, Ross Flieger-Allison ‘13 and current senior Max Fenton,  wowed Scituate High School with the “jazz punk” group they called Manhattan Project, and with them came a new tradition. This year only Fenton remains from the original group, but the Manhattan Project continues to entertain with new members, new songs, and that same sound that SHS fell in love with three years before.

    Bassist and junior Ellis Rose said playing on the Stoop is a “great time. We play music we like and people seem to enjoy it.” And that’s what it’s all about.

    While discussing whether or not the tradition should continue after everyone has graduated, senior trombonist Fenton remarked, “Absolutely! We are currently the Manhattan Project 3rd Generation, and I want to see it go till’ like infinity generation. We’ve got a hot apprentice-style cycle that can go on forever. Who exactly plays at the stoop doesn’t matter, as long as they are of the Manhattan Project style, creed, and way of life.”

    You may have noticed that Manhattan Project aren’t the only ones who have graced the stage with musical talent. The stoop is now open to anyone who wants to showcase their musical abilities. Principal Wargo, supporter of the new SHS tradition is the one to talk to if you think you want to perform. He and music teacher Mr. Richter have also discussed the possibility of making this Friday tradition more than just once a week. The amount of talented musicians in this high school definitely makes this a possibility. In past years there have been other bands and solo artists with different styles to show SHS what they have to offer to the high school music scene. As for the years to come, saxophonist and senior James Robotham said, “Well I think that’s up to the next generation as to whether they think it would be musically exciting.”

    Although the school offers a few opportunities for musicians to play to the peers, including various open mic nights and acoustic coffee houses, the Stoop remains the perfect place for musicians to show off their talent. To them, the Stoop is their turf, the hallways are their bleachers, and the performances are their big game to show others what they are passionate about. This is what makes the Stoop performances a tradition that will hopefully be continued throughout the future years of SHS.