It has been yet another successful, exciting year
for the Jazz Program, now comprised of three full Jazz Ensembles and two
Jazz Combos. Rehearsals
began back in the fall for Jazz Ensemble I, resulting in an
unprecedented number of new pieces in their repertoire including the
exhilarating Stan Kenton’s
Malaga
, Count Basie’s Ya Gotta Try, Duke Ellington’s complex Braggin in
Brass, Cottontail, and many others. The season kicked off
with a performance at the Norwood Jazz Classic, and the accolade
of a gold medal win. Shortly thereafter, both Jazz I, under the
direction of Peter Tileston, and Jazz II, under the direction of Peter
Twiraga, performed at the International Association of Jazz Educators (IAJE)
South East District festival, at
Stoughton
. Both groups gave
thrilling, entertaining performances, and learned a spot at the IAJE
Massachusetts State Finals in
Lowell
, in late March. This day proved to be a highlight of the
season......both ensembles were magnificent! You only had to look around
the audience to feel the excitement and admiration.
The judges were equally wowed, awarding gold medals to both
ensembles, a first for King Philip.
Jazz Ensemble I & II were both subsequently honored by being
given the opportunity to perform at the Hatch Shell in
Boston, in May. It was yet another memorable day for the students and their
families.... a sunny day along the Charles, jazz music to be heard along
the esplanade, a communal picnic and a wild game of Frisbee!!
Jazz I was also fortunate to take a trip to the
University
of
New Hampshire
in March, to the Clark Terry Jazz Festival.
The Ensemble competed against 15 bands and was named most
outstanding band in Division B, with many individual performances also
awarded. The group was then treated to an exhilarating performance from
legendary trumpeter Clark Terry. Those
Students learning the foundations of jazz in Jazz Ensemble III this year
under the direction of Mr. Wolloff, certainly have much to aspire to.
They performed at the annual King Philip Jazz Night recently, and proved
that there is more great talent to follow in the footsteps of our
graduating seniors. Jazz
Night, with guest artist Jeff Galindo, was another huge success. A
trombonist, Jeff is currently on the faculty of Berklee College of Music
and has performed with the Boston Pops, Ray Charles, Kenny Hadley Big
Band, and Clark Terry, among many others. All the students learned from
his expertise, and the students and audience alike enjoyed his
performances.
The Jazz Combo groups, under the direction of the
talented alumnus, Jeremy Udden, spent the season learning and honing
their improvisational techniques. These talents were then exhibited at
the annual Jazz Cafe held in June, a relaxed informal affair for all to
enjoy. It was sad to see yet
another brilliant season come to a close, with the final performance of
Jazz I at the Wrentham Concert on the Common.
A crowded common was treated to a skilled and extensive program,
and it was wonderful to hear the awestruck comments from members of the
community who had not before been exposed to such a remarkable program.
We wish every success to the graduating seniors: Evan Butler, Sarah
Miller, Kelsey Brennan, Tim Sepe, Tyler Huth, Craig Ewer, Rob Campbell,
Rob Lawless and Brendan Smith.
