Shore Turns Out to Support Jazz Alumna
On a chilly February evening over Valentine's weekend, members of the Shore community including faculty, staff, and alumni turned out to enjoy a performance by jazz vocalist and Shore alumna Lauren Henderson '02.
A Marblehead native, Henderson was performing with her Quartet at Cambridge's Regattabar in support of their latest album, A La Madrugada, which was named one of JazzWeek's Top 100 and iTunes Jazz's Top 100 in 2015. (Watch a music video from the album below.)
In attendance at the event were Pre-K teacher Beth White, who has known Henderson since she was a student in Shore's Lower School; Director of Advancement Jody Johnson; former Shore English teacher Joanne Harder; and Henderson's Shore classmate Dennis Fantone.
"It was beyond wonderful to see Lauren and hear her wonderful show," said White.
Henderson is a jazz and Latin jazz vocalist and composer whose Caribbean and Latin Heritage are central themes in her original music and performance. Currently based in both Miami and New York, she performs standards and original music at various national and international venues.
Henderson's eclectic vocal influences spread across genres. Her Afro-Latin influence aids her in producing a distinct yet versatile sound.Her diverse musical background is rooted in jazz and has been influenced by artists like Shirley Horn, Nancy Wilson, Anita O’Day, Chris Connor, Julie London, Sarah Vaughan, Astrud Gilberto, Omara Portuondo, and many others.
She began studying piano in 1993, and grew up singing in church and school choirs, as well as listening to jazz records from her parents' and grandparents' collections. Timid as a young musician, she was always reluctant to sing solos, until given a gentle push by mentors shortly before heading to Wheaton College to receive her Bachelor of Arts. Now, having earned degrees in both Music and Hispanic Studies, Henderson continues to combine her love of music and culture.
"It's hard to believe almost 15 years have passed since I was a student at Shore," Henderson says. "When I think about my time there, I realize Shore is where I discovered my passion for music and the arts. I remember everything—from participating in the third grade Egyptian and Shakespearean plays, to singing with the Puellae Cantantes, playing varsity field hockey and lacrosse, and discovering a love of the pottery wheel in Mrs. Bauer's art class."
"It was at Shore," Henderson continues, "that I learned to balance academics with extra-curricular activities. As a professional jazz and Latin jazz vocalist, composer, and full-time recording artist, my everyday life is a balancing act, and I can honestly say that Shore prepared me for the life I love today."
A Marblehead native, Henderson was performing with her Quartet at Cambridge's Regattabar in support of their latest album, A La Madrugada, which was named one of JazzWeek's Top 100 and iTunes Jazz's Top 100 in 2015. (Watch a music video from the album below.)
In attendance at the event were Pre-K teacher Beth White, who has known Henderson since she was a student in Shore's Lower School; Director of Advancement Jody Johnson; former Shore English teacher Joanne Harder; and Henderson's Shore classmate Dennis Fantone.
"It was beyond wonderful to see Lauren and hear her wonderful show," said White.
Henderson is a jazz and Latin jazz vocalist and composer whose Caribbean and Latin Heritage are central themes in her original music and performance. Currently based in both Miami and New York, she performs standards and original music at various national and international venues.
Henderson's eclectic vocal influences spread across genres. Her Afro-Latin influence aids her in producing a distinct yet versatile sound.Her diverse musical background is rooted in jazz and has been influenced by artists like Shirley Horn, Nancy Wilson, Anita O’Day, Chris Connor, Julie London, Sarah Vaughan, Astrud Gilberto, Omara Portuondo, and many others.
She began studying piano in 1993, and grew up singing in church and school choirs, as well as listening to jazz records from her parents' and grandparents' collections. Timid as a young musician, she was always reluctant to sing solos, until given a gentle push by mentors shortly before heading to Wheaton College to receive her Bachelor of Arts. Now, having earned degrees in both Music and Hispanic Studies, Henderson continues to combine her love of music and culture.
"It's hard to believe almost 15 years have passed since I was a student at Shore," Henderson says. "When I think about my time there, I realize Shore is where I discovered my passion for music and the arts. I remember everything—from participating in the third grade Egyptian and Shakespearean plays, to singing with the Puellae Cantantes, playing varsity field hockey and lacrosse, and discovering a love of the pottery wheel in Mrs. Bauer's art class."
"It was at Shore," Henderson continues, "that I learned to balance academics with extra-curricular activities. As a professional jazz and Latin jazz vocalist, composer, and full-time recording artist, my everyday life is a balancing act, and I can honestly say that Shore prepared me for the life I love today."
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Lauren Henderson and Beth White, then and now
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Henderson, whose latest album A La Madrugada was named a top jazz album of 2015
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Dennis Fantone with White
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Henderson with Joanne Harder and White
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Henderson on stage
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Shore Country Day School’s mission is to provide an education that inspires a love of learning and encourages children to embrace academic challenge. We seek to build character, cultivate creativity, and value diversity as we help our children become healthy, compassionate citizens of the world.
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