The award-winning McAuliffe Jazz Band and combo returned from its annual trip to the Reno Jazz Festival recently after a long road trip to and from Reno.
For those unfamiliar with the Reno Jazz Festival, it is one of the most competitive and prestigious festivals that the local band participates in each year. The intent of the festival is to bring the best jazz groups in the western United States (middle school through college level) to compete and learn from renowned jazz professionals through clinics, performances, and feedback sessions.
First-year Director Jesse Chang and Assistant Director Evan Shegina “couldn’t be prouder” of the student’s accomplishments. The band placed eighth among nearly 20 middle schools and the combo placed third.
Outstanding musicianship medals in the combo were awarded to Eunice Yoon (flute), Justin Rush (drums), Natan Mai (alto sax), and Jacob Leonard (guitar). For the big band, in a rare feat of accomplishment, all soloists were awarded medals for their outstanding musicianship: Eunice Yoon for vocals, flute, and alto sax II, Justin Rush for drums, Nathan Mai for alto sax I, Jacob Lebovitz for piano, and Eric Schultz for tenor sax.
During a very long Saturday, the combo played a three piece set in the morning and the band played a four piece set in the afternoon. The final piece, The Somewhat Angular Blues, which was arranged especially for the band by the famous jazz musician and composer Tom Kubis, electrified the house. You could literally feel the energy in the room through the engagement between the band and the audience.
At the final note, the crowd erupted in thunderous applause, which was a well-deserved recognition of the band’s talent and the commitment the directors have to supporting McAuliffe students to achieve their highest potential as musicians.
This article appeared in the May 10, 2017 print edition of the News Enterprise.
