Friday mornings are getting a face lift. Beginning Sep. 30, and set to continue for the rest of the year, Jazz ensemble The Manhattan Project amazed arriving students by performing a 20-minute concert on the second floor area known as “The Stoop.” Nearly everyone from students, to teachers, to administrators, witnessed the band’s first concert Friday morning.

     But why do something like this? Why Jazz at the Stoop?  Vibraphone player, junior Chris Robotham had a few simple explanations.

     “We felt that by playing jazz at the stoop, we were giving everyone at the school a more positive vibe in the morning,” he said. “We also brought out some of the culture at SHS.” He added that the idea of a morning concert gave students an “incentive to show up to school earlier,” most likely to see The Manhattan Project perform.

     Sophomore Max Fenton had a more philosophical approach to the band’s motivation behind the concert:

     “I wanted to seek the blessings of the ancient gods of music,” he said.

     The band typically performs from 6:50 a.m. to approximately 7:15. By 7:00 a.m., the time most students arrived at school, the stoop itself is packed with energized students and teachers praising the band’s work. Alto saxophone player, senior Zach Brazao led the band and students in a rendition of the song “50’s Lovin’,” developed by another band (also including Brazao and Robotham): Chris’ Father Tom.

     “The song was well known,” said Manhattan Project drummer, senior Richard Arnold, “so Zach told us to play it, and we did.” The crowed loved it, as many students sang along during the chorus of the song.

     The band has recently covered well known songs such as LMFAO’s “Shots,” and Taio Cruz’s “Dynamite.”

     After the Friday concert, nearly everyone who attended felt the effects of the unexpected but well-received performance. All members of the band agreed that their aim was to get students in a good mood to start the day.

     Chemistry teacher Ms. Moore noted that the concert was “very good for school spirit,” and “got people in a good mood at the end of the week.” Band conductor Ms. Tucker said the concert was “absolutely good for school culture,” and is “pumped” for the Friday concerts to come.

     SHS students have also given the concert positive reviews.

     “It was the greatest thing ever,” said junior Emily Hermance. “It made my Friday better, and I hope they keep doing it.”

     Senior Manny Gomes, who can usually be found sitting at the stoop on mornings when the band is not playing, also praised the concert. “It was unique,” he said. “I really hope they do it again.” Manny also didn’t mind the band playing in the space where students usually sit. “It’s not a problem at all,” he said.

     According to the band, The Manhattan Project will be performing concerts on the stoop every Friday for the rest of the year, and plan to shoot for a live album entitled: “The Manhattan Project: The Stoop Sessions.” While there is no inclination to what songs the band will play next, Fridays to come will undoubtedly be well-received by students, who anxiously anticipate the next time they hear free jazz concert.

     Be sure to check out The Manhattan Project’s Facebook page, and listen to their newest single, “Apple Orchard Square Dance,” online now.