Jazz Ensemble, News Story
Farewell Seniors!
May 23, 2008 - 08:29 — MsBagley
Last night, the members of the Stamford High Bands performed their spring concert in the SHS auditorium. The program kicked off with a stand-still performance of Stamford Winter Percussion's show, "Teenage Wasteland." Members of the band played William Tell Overture, Amazing Grace, and finished the Concert Band portion of the program with a joint performance with Dolan Middle School's band. The students combined to perform The Stars & Stripes Forever, giving everyone involved the experience of playing with students they don't normally see. Finally, the Jazz Ensemble ended the concert with Salt Peanuts, Greensleeves, Angel Eyes, and Boogie Stop Shuffle.
A Day of Jazz at Western Connecticut State University
April 30, 2008 - 10:49 — MsBagley
The Stamford Jazz Ensemble spent the day at Western Connecticut State University on Friday, April 25 for their annual Jazz Festival, featuring Jimmy Heath and Cedar Walton as guest artists. The ensemble played a set of three charts for adjudication: "Salt Peanuts" featuring Xavier Rosario, Michael Galgano, Dan Bishop and Omi Batan; "Greensleeves" featuring John Mahoney and Matt Van Houten; and "Boogie Stop Shuffle" featuring Matt Van Houten, Michael Singer, Ethan Gooding and Alex Beltran.
Boston Brass Brings Clarity and Passion to Stamford Jazz Ensemble
April 8, 2008 - 09:03 — MsBagley
On Monday, April 7, the Stamford Jazz Ensemble was lucky enough to have a clinic and private performance by world-renowned brass quintet, the Boston Brass.
Few ensembles in America possess the versatility, talent and humor which Boston Brass embodies, and their energy in performance and rehearsal is contagious.
Stamford Jazz Ensemble Takes First Place at Norwalk High School
March 14, 2008 - 23:32 — MsBagley
The Stamford Jazz Ensemble competed against ten other bands at the 16th Annual Norwalk High School Jazz Festival tonight.
To the students' surprise and delight, SHS took 1st Place, earning their first trophy this season.
Jazz Ensemble Swings in Norwalk
March 3, 2008 - 12:41 — MsBagley
On Friday, February 29, Brien McMahon High School celebrated Leap Day with their annual Jazz Festival, adjudicated by local professional musicians, and visited by schools from around the tri-state area. The Stamford Jazz Ensemble performed two big band charts, "Greensleeves" and "Salt Peanuts," as well as a combo chart: the ballad "Angel Eyes," featuring Matt Van Houten on tenor saxophone, Dan Bishop on bass, Hannah Hoffman on piano and Alex Beltran on drums. The judges ordinarily give out one award per ensemble for an outstanding soloist, but Stamford Jazz received two: one for Matt Van Houten, and one for Michael Galgano (guitar). The band's performance was an improvement upon that at Berklee, and we look forward to unveiling a new tune or two at the next competition on March 14 at Norwalk High School.
Want to see more? Check our the photoset. We also have Audio posted!
Bebop at Berklee
February 11, 2008 - 12:16 — MsBagley
The Stamford Jazz Ensemble returned yesterday from the 40th Annual Berklee High School Jazz Festival. It was a busy weekend, full of great music and talented young people. With bands and show choirs coming from as far as Florida and Colorado, there were many phenomenal young musicians playing, and seeing truly advanced ensembles was motivational and inspiring for everyone. (See Photos!)
Concert Band and Jazz Ensemble - Spring Concert
June 5, 2007 - 02:01 — pdowling
Thursday, May 31st. In their final concert of the year the Concert Band and Jazz Ensemble played selections of music that they have learned this year.
Photos are available: View as Slideshow | View Details
Director Hope Bagley conducted the Concert Band as they performed: Deerpath Dances (D.R. Hoslinger, 1997), The Spirit of '76 (arr C. Grundman, 1964), A Copland Tribute (arr. C. Grundman, 1986), Summertime (G. Gershwin, 1935), and Invicta (J. Swearington, 1981).
West Conn Jazz Festival Winners!
May 10, 2007 - 19:29 — pdowling
Ryan Henderson and Kristen Morgan!
The Jazz Ensemble spent a fun day at West Conn State University Jazz Festival. The students performed well, with a varied program including swing, Latin jazz and a ballad, featured soloists included Ryan Henderson, Eric Schneider, Matt Van Houten, Brandon Hallowell, Stephen Esposito, John Mahoney and Dan Bishop.
At the Festival, clinician and famed Cuban saxophone and clarinet player Paquito D'Rivera chose two students from each Jazz Ensemble to receive 50% scholarships to the WCSU Summer Music Camp.
Jazz Ensemble Plays at Brien McMahon
May 6, 2007 - 23:01 — pdowling
On Friday, May 4th, the SHS Jazz Ensemble performed in their final competition for the spring at Brien McMahon High School. The ajudicators were percussionist Joe Corsello and former Maynard Ferguson bassist Rick Petrone. The students performed a varied repertoire with success on a high level. They opened with the funk-fusion classic "Birdland," featuring the rhythm section. Next was the ballad "Georgia on my Mind," featuring Ryan Henderson on solo trumpet. "Afro Blue" was an afro-cuban chart made famous by John Coltrane, and featured Omi Batan on drums and guitarists John Mahoney and Michael Galgano.
Jazz Ensemble - Catch Their Final Performance!
May 3, 2007 - 08:13 — pdowling
Jazz Band at Brien McMahon! - Save the Date!
Unbelievably, it is already May, and the Jazz Ensemble has come to their final competition for the season. They will be performing at Brien McMahon High School on Friday, 5/4 at 5:30 PM. This will be their best performance yet. The Ensemble will be performing "Birdland," "Afro Blue," "Georgia on my Mind," and "Haitian Fight Song." It's a challenging program and they have improved immensely over this year. Join us at McMahon on Friday.
