The month of February was a very fruitful and productive time for the Manson Music Department with two students, Llywelyn Picton and Joseph Toolson, attending the Washington Music Educator Association’s All-State Band, as well as the Manson Jazz Katz attending and performing at the Lionel Hampton International Jazz Festival.
After being selected from hundreds of auditions from around the state, and preparing music for several months, Joseph and Llywelyn loaded up on February 17th for 4 days of intense rehearsals culminating in a performance on the 21st. Under the direction of Dr. Eric Hammer from the University of the Pacific Conservatory of Music in Stockton, California, the students performed a college level repertoire including Putza by Jan van der Roost, and His Honor (March) by Henry Fillmore. Not only did they play exciting music, but had the great opportunity to make some new friends. Joe, a Freshman, joined 3 other alto saxophonists from around the state as Llywelyn, also a freshman, joined 6 other trombonists. Congratulations on an outstanding performance!
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Also performing last month were the Manson Jazz Katz at the Lionel Hampton International Jazz Festival from February 23-25. After months of preparation, 19 members of the band loaded the bus for a 4 hour journey to the University of Idaho in Moscow, Idaho. The festival not only gave the students a chance to perform for a larger audience, but also provided a full day and a half of individualized sessions, anywhere from a trumpet of saxophone master class to seeing a performance from outstanding professional musicians. Jazz Great Ike Stubblefield, who has performed with groups like The Four Tops to Eric Clapton, was in attendance, as well as the funk greats Tower of Power. After going to the clinics and performances, Manson senior Sierra Miller comments, “they taught me that becoming a part of the music is the only way to make the music come alive.” The Jazz Katz performed 3 songs their final day including Second Line, It’s Only A Paper Moon, and Tiger of San Pedro. Director Mathew Brown comments, “After listening to the recording of our performance, this is by far the most mature sounding group in years. I am so proud of their hard work and most of all their great sound.” Great work Jazz Katz!
Come hear the All-State students, the Manson Jazz Katz, and many other fine musicians perform this month Monday, March 19th, 6:30pm at the Manson Secondary Festival Concert, in the Manson Secondary Gym.
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