Stamford High Black Knights Marching Band

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. He chose the students by listening and observing each performance, looking for the students who contributed to the group in an outstanding way. Mr. D'Rivera chose lead trumpet player Ryan Henderson and lead baritone player Kristen Morgan as the recipients from the Stamford Jazz Ensemble. Attendance at the camp is optional, but we are very proud of these two musicians for this honor. We congratulate Ryan and Kristen. Go Black Knights!

The WCSU Summer Music Camp is a summer session that gives students group and individual instruction in band, strings, and jazz. The camps conclude with a large group performance, and boasts a reputable faculty. The Band/Jazz portion is 7/15-7/21, and students have the option to stay at WCSU or commute.