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A Day of Jazz at Western Connecticut State University

April 30, 2008 - 10:49 — MsBagley
A Day of Jazz at Western Connecticut State University

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.

The ensemble then got a 30-minute clinic with adjudicators John Mastroianni and David Ruffles, two professional performers and teachers of jazz. The gentlemen rehearsed rhythm and timing with the group, and clarified points of dynamics and articulation.

We are also proud to announce two students from the Stamford Jazz Ensemble who have been offered 50% scholarships to the WCSU Summer Music Camp, July 20-26, 2008: Xavier Rosario (trumpet) and Kristen Morgan (baritone).

The highlight of the day was the performance by The Airmen of Note, the United States Air Force Jazz Ensemble. They played energetic and dynamic charts such as "Four on Six," "ESP," and "I'll Be Seeing You." The clinics that followed were organized by instrument, and the students got to ask questions and hear demonstrative playing with the Airmen. Check out mp3s of the Airmen here!

Congratulations to the Stamford Jazz Ensemble on a successful year of growth and musical progress. New heights have been reached with this group, and their sound has become more sophisticated. Be sure to check out the Stamford Jazz Ensemble at the Spring Concert at SHS, on Thursday May 22 at 7:00pm. The Concert Band and Winter Percussion will be performing as well.

Check out the pictures!