Articles

Groups

Performance Schedule

Photo Gallery

Recordings

LHS Jazz Ensembles Put on Excellent Show at District Festival

The Lexington High School Jazz Ensemble, directed by Jeff Leonard, once again put on a spectacular performance at the IAJE District Jazz Ensemble Competition at Algonquin High School in Northborough. The ensemble (located in the Northeast) competed in the Southeastern District competition due to a conflict on the Northeastern Competition day. The group put on quite a show for an audience that wasn’t used to seeing Lexington compete in its district.

Jazz Ensemble’s program included “Sister Saide”, a Horace Silver hard-swinging, up-tempo tune; “My One and Only Love”, a solo alto sax feature ballad; and “Vine Street Rumble”, a bluesy, medium-swing piece that was opened up for solos.

On all three pieces, the soloists were incredible. Evan Marcantonio, Toby Forman, Jeff Snyder, Raviv Markowitz, and Nathan Katz all soloed throughout the program. Evan and Nathan received half scholarships to the UMASS Jazz in July summer program, while Toby and Raviv both won full scholarships.

Raviv also won the Outstanding Musicianship award for the Division A bands. This award is given to one person chosen out of more than 10 ensembles. After receiving the award, he said, “I feel amazing right now. I feel like I could part seas!”

Members of the LHS Big Band

The LHS Big Band, directed by Justin Aramati, also did very well in the competition, taking home a silver medal in Division B. Pianist Steven Feifke was featured as a soloist on all three pieces, and won the Outstanding Musicianship award for Division B. Overall, the performances by both ensembles were great successes.


- Nick Singer
(Images: Lina Colucci)


26 March 2008