Herricks High School students participated in the 51st Annual Berklee College of Music High School Jazz Festival during the weekend of Jan. 26 at the Hynes Convention Center in Boston.
Each year the festival hosts top ensembles from across the East Coast in competition that showcases some of the best young jazz musicians in the country.
The Herricks High School Jazz Band members received third-place in their category – the best rank that the ensemble has ever received at this event. Additionally, Matthew Casola was recognized as best in the entire festival and Darren Yang was named a second-place winner. The Vocal Jazz group performed as well.
The Jazz Band performed John Clayton’s Jazz Orchestra and Matthew and Darren had solos on the alto saxophone and bass, respectively. They had been preparing since summer and described the experience as “unbelievable” and “amazing.” Both students plan to continue their musical talents in college and plan to start a jazz combo together.
“The whole weekend was nice and I was really pleased with the entire group,” said teacher Dr. Geoff Taylor. “The students were extremely professional.”
