Friday, Nov. 21 at 7 p.m., Wham Bam Big Band hosted their fall concert. The student-run jazz ensemble, made up of dedicated musicians from the College of William and Mary, performed in the Concert Hall of the Music Arts Center where a large audience gathered to enjoy a night of live music. This year’s performance, titled “’Tis Autumn,” showcased a blend of vocalists and instrumentalists.
Throughout the show, the band moved between a variety of jazz styles, offering everything from smooth, calm melodies to nostalgic pieces such as a rendition of a song from “Monsters, Inc.” The set also included an original piece composed by a member of the band, adding a personal element to the show.
The auditorium was full of fun and uplifting energy throughout the entirety of the show. During the show, attendee Maria Haddad ’26 said she was loving the performance.
“I’m not a musician, so I think they are doing a great job,” Haddad said. “The ‘Monsters, Inc.’ one was really, really good, but also ‘September Rain’ was really good. The singers were great.”
Wham Bam fan Alexa Burrows ’29 also spoke on how much she enjoyed the concert.
“I saw the poster in Sadler, and I have been a fan of Wham Bam music, so I was excited to see what it was like,” Burrows said. “It was really fun — I really enjoyed it.”
Burrows’ opinion on the performance was similar to that of the whole audience, who clapped and cheered after each song and soloist.
The vocalists were a major source of excitement during the show. All four singers impressed the audience with their smooth and captivating voices — they were clearly well-loved among the crowd. The additional element helped create a well-balanced show.
Wham Bam member Stephen Matechak ’28 was the composer of the band’s original piece, “Our Moment.” Matechak joined Wham Bam last fall and plays the tenor saxophone. He first started playing the saxophone in sixth grade and has been playing ever since.
His original piece was powerful and uplifting, and the message was clear and full of force. The vocalist helped to highlight the depth of the lyrics, and added an emotional layer to the piece. It was clear that this song meant a lot to the band.
“I have had a great time performing it, great message, and Morgan singing on it was great,” Matechak said.
The audience could feel the band’s tight-knit community during the performances, as the band exchanged quick smiles and nods to each other on stage. Their ability to communicate effortlessly with one another allowed the audience to sense the joy behind the music, making the performance feel warm, inviting and lighthearted. These small interactions created a sense of familiarity between the band and the audience.
Matechak spoke on his time in the band and the friendships he has formed with his bandmates.
“We play a variety of different tunes and it’s always a blast,” Matechak said. “I mean, these guys are just some of my best friends on campus and it’s really just a great time.”
Eliana Rougle ’28, a pianist, joined Wham Bam a year ago and has been playing the piano since the age of five.
“I really liked ‘That Warm Feeling.’ I did have a solo on it, but it is also a very nice mellow piece,” Rougle said.
Rougle’s comment reflects how the performance had a song for everyone. From energetic, upbeat pieces to gentle, softer ones, the concert offered a musical variety that ensured each member of the band and audience could find something that resonated with them.
Wham Bam’s performance showcased their musical talent but also highlighted the importance of shared passion and creativity. This level of excellence is only made possible with a group as close as this one. Each member of the band contributed something different and unique, and together they created moments that were joyful and unexpected. It is clear that Wham Bam is more than just a band; it is a community full of talent.
