The Los Alamos Jazz Project will host a summer camp June 15-19, visit losalamosjazzproject.com, for details. Courtesy/LAPS
LAPS News:
February was a very busy month for the jazz students in Los Alamos.
The musical month started with a showstopping concert performed by the Los Alamos High School Jazz Ensemble, Los Alamos High School Vocal Jazz Ensemble, Los Alamos Middle School Jazz Bands One and Two, and six combos from the Los Alamos Jazz Project.
During the weekend immediately following, LAJP hosted, for the second consecutive year the Middle School Jazz Honor Band Clinic. Of the 38 students who auditioned and were selected to participate in this event, 13 are seventh and eighth graders at LAMS.
Ryan Finn, executive director of LAJP and LAPS music educator, described the event as “An incredible opportunity to bring together young jazz musicians from around New Mexico and provide them [every student] with the opportunity to learn and grow from professional musicians and educators and each other.”
Feb. 21 and 22, the Los Alamos High School Jazz Ensemble, Los Alamos High School Vocal Jazz Ensemble, Los Alamos Middle School Jazz Bands One and Two, and one combo from the Los Alamos Jazz Project participated in and were adjudicated at the Albuquerque/UNM Jazz Fest. All groups performed extremely well and numerous outstanding improvisation awards were given to several students.
The LAHS Jazz Ensemble received exceptional marks to earn them the second-highest score given to a high school ensemble. The LAHS Vocal Jazz Ensemble received a superior rating. Additionally, LAMS Jazz 1 received a superior rating in the Middle School division. Of distinguished note, Jackson Bell received the Outstanding High School Trombonist award, Hana Rabi received an Outstanding Middle School Soloist award, and John Cawkwell received the Outstanding Middle School Guitarist award.
Finn is extremely proud and pleased with how all of the groups performed at the Albuquerque/ UNM Jazz Fest and all of the hard work and dedication each student has put in throughout the busy month in preparation for both adjudication and performance.
Wednesday, Feb. 26, the 40 students comprising the six LAJP combo groups wowed their audience with their playing of New Orleans Jazz themed music at the PEEC Planetarium.
LAJP 4th Quarter combo classes will start 5:30-7 p.m., Tuesday, March 30, for elementary and middle school combos and 6-8 p.m., Thursday, April 2, for high school combos and meet at LAHS.
The Los Alamos Jazz Project is excited and pleased to offer its second annual Los Alamos Jazz Project Summer Camp that will take place June 15-19, 2020. For more information, visit losalamosjazzproject.com.
Courtesy photo
Courtesy photo
Courtesy photo
Courtesy photo