Skylite Jazz Band Making History

Reported by: Josh Colwell

The Skylite Jazz band from the Savannah Arts Academy will make history this week as they compete in the Savannah Music Festival’s Swing Central Jazz Competition.


Band Director Vann Thornton took the reins of the Jazz Band this year, and says his bands selection is a tremendous opportunity for the kids.


“I wanted to put them on a national stage and I thought what better stage than the Savannah Music Festival, one of the best music festivals in the world.”


The Skylight Jazz Band isn’t just one of the best bands in Savannah, they are one of the best bands in the country and Band Director Vann Thorton says his band being chosen to play in the Savannah Music Festival is a major honor.


“Yea, it is a hug honor for me and the kids; both to be invited to this thing and be a part of the Savannah Music Festival, but the greatest honor is that we are a Savannah band and the first Savannah band and one of only three bands in the state to participate in this.”


Savannah Music Festival Education Director Jenny Woodruff says they couldn’t be more excited to have a local band in the competition.


She says these students will get the training opportunity of a lifetime.


“The real benefit is just working with the clinicians one on one with intensive, immersive ways that is an experience you can’t get anywhere else.”

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