The Upper School Honors Jazz Combo is the premier music ensemble group at Shipley. Directed by saxophonist and Temple University adjunct faculty member Chris Oatts, the combo consists mainly of members of the larger jazz ensemble, requiring auditions for its small roster.
Director Oatts’ goals for the group extend beyond technical proficiency, focusing on learning improvisation, studying jazz history, fostering a love of music, composing music, and learning to play new pieces quickly. Oatts says, “One thing that I'm always thinking about with the Honors Combo (and every other group), is learning how to enjoy music, which is a lifelong thing—regardless of whether you continue playing for the rest of your life. You'll always have that love and appreciation of music.” Plus, he says, as the source for many other genres of music, like pop, rock, and hip hop music, “If you're learning about jazz and blues music, you can have a deeper understanding, appreciation, and love of all those other kinds of music.”
The group's repertoire features a variety of jazz standards, and Oatts encourages the exploration of lesser-known pieces. The ensemble's current favorite is "Walk Spirit Talk Spirit" by pianist and composer McCoy Tyner, while trumpeter Roy Hargrove’s "Strasbourg Saint Denis" remains a longstanding favorite of the group over the years. Oatts hopes his students develop a broad repertoire of jazz standards so they can join in jam sessions outside of Shipley with musicians they’ve never played with.
Under Oatts' direction, the Honors Jazz Combo actively seeks performance opportunities, both on and off campus. They've graced stages at venues like the Willows in Radnor, Chris’ Jazz Cafe in Philadelphia, and various jazz festivals. Notably, the group secured first place in the Small Ensemble Division 2 category at the 2023 National Jazz Festival, competing again in February 2024.
Members of the ensemble enjoyed a musical journey to New York City in April 2024. Accompanied by members of the larger jazz band, they experienced live performances at Lincoln Center and explored jazz museums and clubs throughout the city. Oatts remarked, “Seeing jazz in the real world and its impact on society made everything more real for the students.” The experience offered a blend of education and fun, leaving students inspired and enriched.
The Honors Jazz Combo reflects Shipley's dedication to excellence in the arts, continually impressing audiences and serving as a pinnacle experience in Shipley's musical learning community.
Join us on Saturday, September 28th at Super Saturday, a favorite Shipley tradition. The day-long excitement includes a kids' carnival, a free community barbecue, athletic events, and much more. Gather the family, wear your Shipley gear, and celebrate being a Gator!
In his Commencement Address to the class of 2024, Prashant Bhuyan ’96 emphasized the importance of maintaining humanity in an increasingly AI-driven world. He advised the graduates to think critically, foster meaningful human connections, and use technology to create new paradigms that benefit humanity, thereby becoming leaders in the future.
The Upper School Honors Jazz Combo, directed by saxophonist Chris Oatts, is Shipley's premier music ensemble and reflects Shipley's dedication to excellence in the arts. The group continually impresses audiences and serves as a pinnacle experience in Shipley's musical learning community.
🇮🇹 Last month, 13 students and 2 teachers had the trip of a lifetime in Italy, exploring Paestum, Pompeii, Mt. Vesuvius, Naples' Museo Archeologico Nazionale, and Rome's historical sites and museums, experiencing Italian culture, history, and art!
12 Shipley Spanish students had an unforgettable adventure in Spain, exploring Madrid, Zaragoza, and Barcelona, and immersing themselves in local culture and iconic landmarks. ¡Recuerdos para toda la vida! 🇪🇸
At Shipley, students are supported in pursuing their passions beyond the classroom, as showcased by eighth-grader Anne Martindale, whose imaginative costume designs for the Middle School’s production of Alice in Wonderland transformed the stage, blending artistic vision with the encouragement of dedicated teachers.
Shipley is pleased to welcome Steve Lisk as Interim Head of School for the 2024-2025 school year. Steve Lisk served as the 10th Head of School at Lancaster Country Day School from 2008 to 2022. His 14 years at LCDS made him the second-longest tenured head in the school’s 100-year history. Across 34 years in independent schools, he has served also as an executive coach, division head, department chair, dorm head, classroom teacher, advisor, and athletic coach.
Affinity groups at Shipley help to foster a welcoming and inclusive environment, empowering students of diverse backgrounds to build authentic relationships, celebrate their identities, and grow into confident, compassionate global citizens. Learn more about our Lower School Affinity Spaces.
After 34 years of dedicated service to The Shipley School, Kay Weinstock is retiring as College Counseling Assistant. Her meticulous attention to detail and genuine kindness have shepherded thousands of Shipley students through the college admissions process.
The Upper School Administration recognized the outgoing and incoming student leadership officers and presented students with academic, athletic, and leadership awards at the annual Closing Awards Ceremony.
Shipley's Director of Libraries, Jennifer Phiambolis, collaborates with teachers to integrate library research into course projects, fostering students' critical thinking and information literacy skills. This approach empowers students to discern credible information and challenge online misinformation.
A quiet powerhouse in Shipley’s Athletic Department, Katelyn manages the moving parts of anywhere from 12-15 teams per season. While that may seem chaotic—she sticks to her spreadsheets and checklists, plans for various scenarios, and thrives under pressure, all while presenting a calm demeanor.
Christine Greenwood held various roles at Shipley, spanning a tenure of 36 years, most notably as an art teacher and the advisor of The Beacon and the Yearbook. She will retire at the end of the 2023-2024 academic year.
Shipley's beloved PreKindergarten teacher Tina Wattles will retire at the end of the 2023-2024 school year, leaving a lasting mark on the community. Her energy and smile will be greatly missed by her students and colleagues alike. "For a generation, Tina has planted acorns that have grown into mighty oaks. Her work will reverberate for years and years to come,” said Head of School Michael Turner.
Discover how Shipley School's music program nurtures young musicians from Lower to Upper School, fostering confidence, creativity, and collaboration. Learn how students find their musical voice and achieve professional-level performance through this comprehensive education.
Anna Dejdar ’04 is set to embark on a new journey, leaving behind a legacy that spans over two decades. As she prepares to assume her new role as Head of Upper School at Stratford Academy in Macon, GA, in the 2024-2025 school year, we reflect on her invaluable contributions and the indelible mark she has left on our School.
Shipley's Middle and Upper School Science Olympiad Teams earned many medals at the Pennsylvania Southeast Region Science Olympiad Tournament on March 8 at Penn State Abington.
This year’s alumni exhibition features work from the Sky Paintingsseries by Shipley alum Peter Makela ’04 and will be on display in Speer Gallery from April 9 to May 5. Celebrate the fine arts at Shipley with an artist reception in Speer Gallery on Friday, May 3, 2024, from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. The Alumni Artist Reception is part of Alumni Reunion Weekend and is open to family and friends of the Shipley community, we ask that you please register online or contact alumni@shipleyschool.org with any questions.
The Shipley School is a private, coeducational day school for pre-kindergarten through 12th grade students, located in Bryn Mawr, PA. Through our commitment to educational excellence, we develop within each student a love of learning and a desire for compassionate participation in the world.