WHAT IS CURRENT JAM?
Current Jam is Concert Choir's iconic spring concert.
Filled with singing and dancing, Current Jam has been
a can't-miss event each spring for more than 50 years.
The first Current Jam was conducted by William Hughes in the spring of 1973. It started as a way to showcase individual talents of students performing popular music and give the choir the opportunity to perform arrangements of pop tunes. Most of the arrangements were created by the students.
Current Jam ’77 was the first year with Dr. Robert Peterson at the helm. Current Jam became the Edina High School version of show choirs. Under Dr. Peterson’s leadership technology was bought into the productions. The use of video projection and lighting became core to the shows.
Current Jam ’99 was then turned over to Dr. David Henderson. He spent many years working with Dr. Peterson on the show. During his tenure, Current Jam continued to remain “current.”
The choir still performs large group numbers with choreography and the solo groups contribute to a well-balanced entertaining show.
There were only three choreographers for the first 45 years of the show: Tom Amundson, Randy Winkler and John Command. All three specialized in dance moves that work onstage for dancers and non-dancers alike.
The name Current Jam was suggested by Laurie Wilson Spencer, ’73 and the Concert Choir of 1973. The students, with the help of William Hughes, started what has become a “go to event” every spring.
Tradition is a key element of the production. The senior video introduced in the 1977 has had the choir singing “Times of Our Lives” every year. The closing number, “Everyday” was first used in 1982 and was arranged by Chuck Beeson, ’83.
Since 2019, those time-honored traditions have continued with a new artistic team leading Current Jam. Christopher Piela took over as Artistic Director, assisted by colleagues Scott Lehrke and Serina Jolivette. The C.J. Band is conducted by Nick Gaudette, and Megan Kelly Hubbell is the choreographer.
In May 2023, we celebrated the 50th anniversary of Current Jam!
We are thrilled to present these video selections of full-group numbers dating back to Current Jam 2000. Over time, we may gradually add the hundreds of special acts that are also part of our archives. Enjoy the magic of Current Jam, and join us for a live show in an upcoming year!