EASTON — Superintendent Lisha Cabral and Principal Kelly Cavanaugh are excited to share that both the Division 1 and Division 2 Jazz Bands at Oliver Ames High School competed in the Massachusetts Association for Jazz Education (MAJE) state finals on Saturday, March 16.
The Division 1 and Division 2 bands, made up of 27 students each, performed for a panel of college professors and professional performing jazz artists for medal awards. Both bands received a Superior Gold Medal for their performances and will advance to the Gold Medal Showcase on May 5 at the Hatch Memorial Shell at the Charles River Esplanade in Boston.
“To say I’m proud of our musicians is an understatement,” Superintendent Cabral said. “I’m thrilled that their hard work has been recognized in this series.”
The Division 1 band played at Norwood High School and performed “Slo Funk” by Bob Mintzer, “Basically Blues” by Phil Wilson and “I Snore, You Drive” by Victor Lopez. The Division 2 band played at Coakley Middle School in Norwood and performed “Greasy Sack Blues” by Don Radar and Woody Herman, “Ballad for Zoe” by Tim Fisher and “Tweet Fatigue” by Gordon Goodwin.
Prior to the state final, both of the Oliver Ames High School Jazz Bands performed in the Southeast District Festival at Oliver Ames High School on February 29. Both bands received gold medals, qualifying them for state finals.
This was the Division 2 band’s first gold medal win. Oliver Ames High School also won the MAJE Most Valuable Player award in both finals performances. Eddie Bishop, who plays baritone saxophone, secured a co-win in the Division 1 concert, and Regan George, who plays piano, won the MVP award for the Division 2 concert. Only one other school has had winners of the MVP award in both performances in the history of the circuit.
“As a senior in band, this is my ninth consecutive year in the Easton Schools program. Half of my life has been defined by accomplishments and memories on stage,” said Kagan Proudler, a Division 1 band member who plays the drums. “It has been an incredible honor to perform once again at state finals, and an even greater pleasure to share the stage with those whom I have played with for those nine years.”
Band Director Jeffrey Benson said, “I want to acknowledge our seniors in the class of 2024: Sophie West, Andrew Shafizadeh, Josh Connolly, Tim Daigle, Madi Barr, Kate Callanan, Katie Sobieraj, Lucas Chaves, Kagan Proudler, Liam Dunlap, Ben St. Louis and Brendan Hocking. To begin high school during hybrid classes and to persevere to lead our band program to 10 championship or finals-level events and win nine of them is unique. These kids are impressive and utterly relentless, and it’s been a privilege to watch.”
###
