The HHS Jazz Band & The Tornado News Team Present

 “Sophisticated Lady”

The Tornado News Team and Harborfields High School Jazz Band continue their award-winning collaborative partnership with the creation of a 30-minute feature documentary paying tribute to the women who’ve shaped the music.

A tale in two parts, the video details the story of a newly-commissioned arrangement of Duke Ellington’s “Sophisticated Lady,” written by world-renowned low-brass specialist Jennifer Wharton as a feature for senior trombonist Alexa Best, and connects the voices of members of an unspoken sisterhood—numerous female HHS Jazz Band alums and current members—to bring important truths to light and celebrate women in jazz.

HF media student, Jack Wilkens, produced the videos and created the content on this page.

Praise for Sophisticated Lady

“I loved hearing the voices of these young women, empowered by music. There is so little on social media that feels truly hopeful and healthy—this is lovely.
Tierney Sutton, nine-time Grammy-nominated jazz vocalist

“The gender gap in jazz is the result of a series of historical and social barriers to equal participation. It takes courageous and engaged leaders like Dan Bilawsky to facilitate an inclusive and positive environment and future for his students!”
Monika Herzig, jazz pianist, educator, author, composer, arranger, SHEroes bandleader

“Yet another wonderful initiative from The Tornado News Team and Harborfields High School Jazz Band. Not only does this project provide a precious opportunity for the students involved, but it shines a light on lesser-known figures in jazz while celebrating the work of the acclaimed bass trombonist Jennifer Wharton.”
Nicky Schrire, jazz vocalist, educator, journalist and broadcaster (JazzFM.91, LondonJazz News, The Jazz Session)

“The inspiration, talent, nuance and confidence of young trombonist Alexa Best on Jennifer Wharton's beautiful chart is the perfect lead in to [where] these young women share deep insights about themselves and their experiences in jazz band. They are the embodiment of what WE know the jazz community brings to the table, and they candidly acknowledge the challenges of being female in a predominantly male genre. Dan Bilawsky sees the big picture here about women in not-just-jazz, but the world. His ability to reach them and empower them is a thrill to see."
Claire Daly, award-winning baritone saxophonist

“This 30-minute documentary moved me to tears because I know firsthand the uphill battle of being a woman in jazz, having started off as a trombonist myself and currently working professionally as a vocalist and pianist. [This work] not only amplifies the voices of these students and of women composers of yesterday and today…but points to forward motion and acknowledgement, What a delight to see the jazz youth of tomorrow excited for the future and feeling inspired. Bravi!”
Nicole Zuraitis, Grammy-nominated vocalist, pianist, songwriter and bandleader

“The thoughtful interviews and, yes, sophisticated musicianship in Sophisticated Lady culminate in a sense of optimism and possibility: while women in jazz continue to face unique challenges in the business, the women of Harborfields High School Jazz Band prove, without a doubt, that the future looks brighter than ever.”
Hilary Gardner, celebrated vocalist (solo, Duchess) and writer

“Congratulations and Kudos to Dan Bilawsky and the Harborfields High School Jazz Ensemble and students past and present for creating the mini-documentary Sophisticated Lady. Their film highlights a grassroots way to foster the evolution of the music by providing equal opportunities, and raising awareness of the experiences, contributions, challenges and benefits of being a young woman in jazz. Hearing firsthand experiences from these young women reinforces the significance of teachers, like Dan Bilawsky, who are enlightened enough to open musical opportunities for all, regardless of gender. For every extraordinary man in jazz, there is a woman who has done, or is doing equally excellent work…make sure your students know. Also congratulations to Alexa on her wonderful performance and Jen Wharton for her exciting new arrangement! ”
Sherrie Maricle, Music Director/drummer, The DIVA Jazz Orchestra


“Wow! This is such an inspiring and heartwarming documentary on the impact that music, education, and empowering all voices can have on a community. [It’s a] beautiful piece that serves as a reminder of why we do what we do, and how we can continue to make the world a better place through jazz education.”
Alexa Tarantino, award-winning jazz saxophone & woodwind artist, composer and mentor


“The moving testaments of [over a dozen alumnae] shows what a positive impact mentorship and advocacy make in someone's entire life, not just in the study of music.”
Nadje Noordhuis, celebrated jazz trumpeter, educator


“[This production offers] a thoroughly enjoyable look at how a committed and inspired high school music teacher created an ecosystem where young women jazz players can learn, grow and flourish. [It's] an astonigh how-to field guide for any educator who's interested in creating similar conditions of safety, encouragement and agency. Wow!”
Kate McGarry, Grammy-nominated jazz vocalist, educator