EGHS Jazz Band Places 4th At Berklee Festival

From a teacher at East Greenwich High School:

I had the opportunity to go with the Jazz Band to the 45th Annual Berklee College of Music High School Jazz Festival. East Greenwich was recognized on several fronts. Andrew Miner received two awards for his playing on the tenor saxophone – Judges Choice Award as outstanding member of the EGHS Jazz Band as well as a Superior Musician Award. The Jazz Band earned honorable mention in its category for ensemble play, 4th place out of 16 schools in their division. They also received an award for 35 years of participation.  

Mr. Carniaux and Mr. Mattera [Mr. Carniaux's predecessor] deserve a great deal of  thanks for their time and commitment to music program in our community.

While this would be enough, it's just the start of what took place on Saturday. I was awestruck by the number of high schools that competed – from all over the country, as far away as Chicago and California. EG was up against performing arts high schools and performed admirably. I've often had the chance to listen to the Jazz Band and what Brendan has done is just outstanding. He has created a community, a "safe place" for students who fit in and feel at home with him in the band room.

I really didn't understand it until I spent the day with the Jazz Band and saw them in their element. Our students rehearse early in the mornings, in the summer, on weekends, and even (due to weather) during February break to get ready. I saw thousands of students on Saturday and was truly amazed by their passion and how music plays such a vital role in their lives. Our students are no different. They carried themselves in a professional manner and represented the East Greenwich community in a way that would make us all proud. Their love of music is encouraged and nurtured at EGHS.  

Music is its own language and is another shining example of what is great about EG. I usually don't write things like this, but in our sports-happy society, this "sport" was every bit as exciting, it's just another example of why I am proud to be teacher at East Greenwich High School. 

The members of the EGHS Jazz Band are: Julian Wu, Chris Pearson, Ross Smith, Andrew Minder, Duncan Englehart, Julianna Popowycz, Mary O'Toole, Dan Josloff, Matthew Wray, Scott Kulm, Erik Carlson, Giulio Cataldo, James Dambek, Dylan DePriest, Anthony Petrone, Ben Markstone, Jeremy Dambek, Noah Fitter, Peter Brouillard, Matt Lallo, Will Campbell, Connor Ross, Jeremy Pallant, Emily Ferguson, Noah Barreto, Adam Sullivan, Chris Colgan, Dylon Lo, Michael Ryan, Alec Lebovitz, Cameron Cianciolo, Grace Miner, Brent Rabinowitz, Max Fertik, Michael McWeeney, Sam Greene.

Soloists included Cameron Cianciolo (bass), Andrew Miner (tenor saxophone), Duncan Englehart (tenor saxophone), Dylan Lo (piano), Scott Kulm (trombone), James Dambek (trombone), and Alec Lebovitz (keys/piano).