Swing and school spirit: BPHS mid-winter jazz concert

Winter jazz concert hits the stage Jan. 28

Madelyn Hucko, Staff Writer • January 27, 2026

BPHS Jazz Ensemble at 2026 Tree Lighting

The BPHS mid-winter jazz concert is set to be an enjoyable evening of music that you don’t want to miss. Taking place on Jan. 28 from 7 – 9 p.m. in the BPHS Auditorium, this concert will bring together talented jazz musicians from across grade levels to showcase the strength and technique of Bethel Park’s jazz program.

The concert will feature performances by both IMS and HS jazz ensembles, giving audience members the chance to hear a wide range of styles and sounds. From smooth swing tunes to powerful arrangements, the setlist is designed for a pleasant evening.

Freshman Cooper Herneshin, an aspiring jazz band performer and percussionist, shared his thoughts on the upcoming concert and the program as a whole, saying that “it is a notable experience, the music is impressive, and they always put on a great show.” His perspective highlights the welcoming and motivating jazz band environment, especially for those who are new to high school performances.

Upperclassmen play an important role in setting the tone for the ensemble, and junior trumpet player Ronan Hassan is a great example of that leadership. Ronan has expressed his strong commitment to the band and the joy he feels being part of something bigger than himself. His passion and effort, as well as those of other members of the band, for music and dedication to rehearsals, help the band to sound its best and encourage younger musicians to work hard and stay involved.

The BPHS Mid-Winter Jazz Concert will be a celebration of teamwork, talent, and school spirit. Whether you are a student curious about jazz band, supporting friends, or a music lover looking for a great show, Jan 28 is a date to mark on your calendar. With skilled performers, rhythmic music, and a supportive community, the concert is sure to be a memorable experience for anyone interested.

About the Contributor

Madelyn Hucko, Staff Writer

And here’s the pitch – strike! Hucko does it again, striking out her opponent from the mound. Madelyn Hucko is a junior pitcher on the slow-pitch softball club team for Bethel Park. She has been playing for eight years, having to take a year off to pursue gymnastics, but she made her return to the mound after injuring herself. She has always been a pitcher, having a “perfect arch pitch” as described by her fellow teammates. When asked why she has taken the Scholastic Publications elective this year for the first time, she replied, “I want to pursue journalism in college and eventually have a career in journalism, hopefully with traveling.” As an avid photographer who captures architecture and nature whenever she can, she wants to focus on the photography aspect of the journalism class, with her sharp knowledge of photo-taking. Her favorite thing about high school is that she loves how self-driven it is. “You can choose the classes you want to take and even add on electives that support what you want to do in college,” she answered. She appreciates the freedom of choice that Bethel Park offers. In her free time, if she’s not competing with Paul Skenes as an amazing pitcher or taking photos, she’s working hard to complete the “Call of Duty” campaigns as a video game player. You could also find her painting or creating a mug with ceramics. She loves the arts aspect of life, as shown by her hobbies. She also likes to read any literature. Her preferred movie type is psychological mysteries, like “Se7en,” “Memento,” or “Fight Club.” If she’s not watching a movie, she’s listening to Arctic Monkeys, Radiohead, Jeff Buckley, The Smiths (her favorite), Nirvana, or any dad rock. She dreams of studying abroad in the United Kingdom, possibly in a program given to her by New York University. Her dream vacation is to go backpacking in Europe as well, hoping for a future life across the Atlantic. So the next time you see her, whether it’s behind a camera, on the mound, or jamming out to The Smiths, just know that you can find some of her work right here on Hawk Eye! Written By: Ava Cerro, Staff Writer