On March 4th, the award-winning Oakmont Jazz Band competed in the first competition of their season: the MAJE Festival. The event took place at Algonquin High School and was an opportunity to receive scores and feedback from an array of professional jazz educators.
Oakmont performed three pieces for three different judges. These pieces included “Moten Swing” by Buster and Benny Moten and arranged by Ernie Wilkins, “Summertime” by George Gershwin and arranged by Terry White, and “Saturnian Sleigh Ride” by Shorty Rogers. These pieces also featured a wide array of soloists.
After their performance, the Jazz Band moved into a clinic with one of the judges who also happened to be the arranger of “Summertime,” Terry White. He offered great feedback to the ensemble before they received their score.
The Oakmont Jazz Band was the only band in Division 2 to receive a GOLD MEDAL with a score of 72/75 for their performance! This means that the Jazz Band gets to move onto the state level and compete in the MAJE State Finals this Saturday, March 21st. There were also awards given out to three outstanding musicians from each ensemble. Oakmont’s winners were juniors Allison Flannery on guitar and vocals, Nolan Leclair on piano, and AJ Lasorsa on trombone. Lasorsa also received the title of MVP for all of Division 2!
Upcoming events for the Oakmont Jazz Band include MAJE State Finals at Norwood High School on March 21st and District Jazz Night here at Oakmont on April 17th. Keep up the great work, Spartans!
