Something for everyone at the 25th annual Berks Jazz

There was something for everyone at the 25th annual Berks Jazz Fest, Monday night.

It was a dream come true for members of the Berks High School All-Star Jazz Band.

They filled the Crowne Plaza ballroom in Wyomissing with their smooth sounds.

They have been working hard for this moment ever since they were selected through competitive auditions back in February.

"Lots of hard work, lots of practice," said Doug Matz who organizes the band.

"I would say we did a lot. Especially the one-day rehearsal. That was pretty long," said Eric Wofle, a Senior at Oley Valley High School.

Some of the students say, thanks to the opportunity to play before a large audience, they are more motivated than ever to improve their craft.

"It was really heated, awesome," said Adam Helmer, a senior at Boyertown High School. "I could just feel everyone connecting out there. It was great."

But the fun wasn't limited to young musicians. Dozens of music enthusiasts had a chance to pick up some tips from a jazz legend.

At Fred's Music Shop in Shillington, aspiring bass players took part in a workshop with Grammy-nominated bassist Brian Bromberg.

"It never gets boring, and we love having a great player like Brian there. He fits in perfectly, he gets along, the bass players are over there, it's like compadres," said Fred Bernardo, owner.

Brian is so popular that some drove more than 50 miles to see what they could learn.

"This guy's a classic. I mean, this is somebody you would drive out of your way 50 miles to see," said Pat Conneen from Havertown.

A once-in-a-lifetime experience that hit the right note.

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