Agoura High Wins Awards for All That Jazz

students received awards and high recognition from a Swing Central jazz competition in Savannah, Georgia, according to a report in the Ventura County Star.

They received a first-place award in the big band competition, a second-place for their combo 1, the People's Choice Award for their combo 2 and recognition for best original composition, said the Star.

Twenty-two music students, who were selected after submitting audition tapes, competed from March 27 to 31 against 11 other schools in the country, said the report.

According to the story, the bands at the competition work one on one with a panel of established jazz educators and renowned jazz professionals, led by Marcus Roberts, the Savannah Music Festival's associate artistic director of jazz education. For three days, students participate in instrumental breakout sessions, performance clinics, jam sessions and an improvisation clinic, said the report.

The school received a trophy and check for $3,750 for its big band win, according to the Star.

"It was such an inspirational experience that taught me so much and changed my perspective on the true meaning of jazz music," sophomore Garrett Isaacs, who plays trombone, told the Star. "In addition to being able to compete with some of the top high school bands around the country, seeing such incredible musicians such as artists Jason Marsalis, Marcus Roberts, Wycliffe Gordon, Jon Faddis, Terrel Stafford, among many others performing, and teachers, was so great."

School music director told the Star that he was extremely pleased at how the musicians were on and off the stage. "I was very proud, not only of the way the band performed but also of the way they worked together, conducted themselves with respectfulness, sportsmanship and class," he said. "They truly represented themselves, their families, our program and our school with honor."

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