Rocky Point Guitar Ensembles And Jazz Bands Shine At Jazz Night

Press release from the Rocky Point School District:

May 3, 2023

The Rocky Point music department’s annual Jazz Night took place on April 25. The Rocky Point Middle School and High School guitar ensembles and jazz ensembles each performed challenging sets of music. The middle school guitar ensemble, under the direction of Dave Ventura, opened the show. The students, all with a varying degree of experience, played wonderfully together as a group. The ensemble was highlighted by a stellar solo by Ian Dowling. The high school guitar ensemble, also under the direction of Ventura, performed challenging selections with some well-known crowd pleasers that included pieces by Sting and Jimi Hendrix. The final number, “Foxy Lady,” included a beautiful solo by Liam Duenas.

The middle school jazz ensemble, under the direction of Vincent Ragona, played an array of diverse selections and standards. The high school jazz ensemble, under the direction of Amy Schecher, performed a program of jazz, funk and rock selections that included crowd favorites, “Africa” and “Carry on Wayward Son.” The performance was highlighted by a special tribute to the soon-to-be graduating seniors in the group, Kyle Basirico, Sean Bodkin, Daniel Curley, Gavin Donovan, Vivian Dorr, Carter Graf, Hannah Gundel and Matthew Liselli.

This press release was produced by the Rocky Point School District. The views expressed here are the author's own.