GCHS Jazz Ensemble Receives Highest Accolades At Festival

GARDEN CITY, NY — The Garden City High School Jazz Ensemble gave a performance at the Five Towns College Jazz Invitational on March 24 that won them huge honors. The group was supposed to perform at this event in March 2020, but it was canceled due to the pandemic. Students were eager to step on stage and participate in a performance two-years in the making.

The group prepared a challenging performance program including two NYSSMA level 6 jazz ensemble pieces titled “La Fiesta” by the late Chick Corea and arranged by Michael Philip Mossman, and “Big Dipper” by Thad Jones. Additionally, the students performed the ballad, “A Child is Born” by Thad Jones and arranged by the late Mike Carubia.

"I was blown away by the students' performance,” jazz band teacher Daniel DellaMonica said. “After we performed our first piece, someone in the audience said 'wow,' and the students and I could just feel the energy in the room."

One of the judges noted that the Garden City High School Ensemble gave one of the best performances they have heard at the festival in years, due to the near flawless execution of such high-level, professional music.

"Everyone played their best and enjoyed themselves,” said senior student director and All-State jazz trombonist Daniel Vazquez. “I’m so proud of the band and I’m glad to be a part of it.”

The Jazz Ensemble will hold its spring concert on May 17 at Garden City High School.