This past Saturday, March 16, Oakmont’s Jazz Band traveled to Coakley Middle School and Norwood High School to compete in the MAJE State Finals. They performed at 1:30 p.m. at Coakley Middle where three very talented jazz musicians judged them: Terry Clark, Gerry Dolan, and Jeffrey Leonard. Afterwards, they headed to Norwood High to watch other groups and eventually receive awards. 

The Jazz Band was able to view Oliver Ames High School’s performance, Foxborough High School’s performance, and finally a set from the professional BT ALC Big Band. After watching fellow jazz bands play, it was time for awards. Outstanding solos/musicianship awards were given to Oakmont’s very own Joe Barrows (alto saxophone), Sam Flannery (piano), and AJ Lasorsa (trombone). As a whole, Oakmont received a Silver Medal for their performance of Lady Bird by Tadd Dameron and arranged by Mark Taylor, A Kiss From You written and arranged by Benny Carter and edited by Jeffrey Sultanof and Rob DuBoff, and Barnburner by Les Hooper. Great job, Spartans!

Oakmont’s Jazz Band will be performing again at District Jazz Night (4/11), Evening With The Arts (5/3), Great East (5/10), the Spring Concert (5/16), and School Tours (6/7). Come out and see them!