Ryan Finn and the Los Alamos Jazz faculty performed at LAHS during lunch today, featuring the music of Thelonious Monk. The performance was a part of the school’s celebration of Black History Month. Thelonious Monk was a Black American jazz pianist and composer. Monk’s compositions and improvisations feature dissonances and angular melodic twists and are consistent with his unorthodox approach to the piano, which combined a highly percussive attack with abrupt, dramatic use of switched key releases, silences, and hesitations. Monk’s distinct look included suits, hats, and sunglasses. He also had an idiosyncratic habit during performances: while other musicians continued playing, Monk would stop, stand up, and dance for a few moments before returning to the piano. Monk is one of five jazz musicians to have been featured on the cover of Time magazine. Photo Courtesy LAPS