Stamford High Black Knights Marching Band

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. The band closed with the Mingus classic "Haitian Fight Song," featuring Dan Bishop on bass, Eric Schneider on drums, Ryan Henderson, Brandon Hallowell, Matt Van Houten and John Mahoney.

The band received praises from the ajudicators in the areas of dynamics and tone, and constructive criticism in intonation and expression. The award for Outstanding Performer in the band was given to John Mahoney.

The SHS Jazz Ensemble ended their season with a much-improved sound and more advanced sight-reading skills, and we look forward to the accomplishments to come next year.

Did you catch their set?

If not, we have pictures.