EASTON — Superintendent Lisha Cabral, Oliver Ames Principal Kelly Cavanaugh and Music Department Chair Jeffrey Benson are pleased to share the success of the Jazz Band program this year.
On Saturday, March 25, both Oliver Ames Jazz Bands performed at the Massachusetts Association for Jazz Education (MAJE) State Finals. Oliver Ames’ Friday Jazz Band is mostly comprised of students in grades 9-10, and the Thursday Jazz Band is primarily students in grades 11-12.
“The success of both jazz bands after having a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic is a testament to their hard work and dedication,” Principal Cavanaugh said. “These students have worked tirelessly to place in multiple festivals and make it to states, where they excelled. I would like to congratulate the Thursday and Friday bands, we are very proud of your accomplishments.”
To qualify for state finals, bands must receive a gold or silver medal with a high enough score at a district-level festival. Both Oliver Ames jazz bands qualified for state finals this year through the Southeast District Festival at Canton High School. This was the first time Oliver Ames has had both jazz bands qualify for state finals.
The Thursday band received a silver medal at States, while the Friday band earned a gold medal and a slot in the Hatch Shell Showcase for the second year in a row.
The Hatch Shell Showcase, which will be hosted on Sunday, May 7 from noon to 5 p.m., is an annual event sponsored by MAJE that showcases the Big Bands, Combos and Jazz Choirs that achieve Gold Medals at State Finals.
This year was the Thursday Jazz Band’s second consecutive MAJE finals appearance following the competition’s pause during the COVID-19 pandemic. This was the Friday Jazz Band’s first finals appearance at the MAJE competition.
The Thursday Jazz Band was also named one of two Outstanding Bands at the University of New Hampshire Clark Terry Jazz Festival in the A-Class this year, which is a significant distinction.
“The last two years have truly showcased how hard-working our jazz band members are,” Department Chair Benson said. “I’ve had the privilege of teaching students for over 13 years and I’m proud of what these students have accomplished in their time at Olive Ames, but not surprised, as their work ethic is second to none.”
To learn more about the Massachusetts Association for Jazz Education State Finals, click here.
About Massachusetts Association for Jazz Education:
MAJE is a service organization dedicated to increasing the worldwide growth and development of jazz and jazz education. As part of that mission, the Association initiates programs which nurture and promote the understanding and appreciation of jazz and its heritage, provide leadership to educators regarding curricula and performance, assist teachers and practitioners with information and resources, and take an active part in organizing clinics, festivals and symposia at the local and state level. In addition, the state chapter of MAJE hopes to provide festivals for school groups that are educationally oriented.
