We Did It – It Will Be Built!

February 25, 2015

BuildItTIt is now official. Rio WILL be getting a new Theater! The SJUSD Board voted unanimously at last night’s meeting to fund construction of a theater at Rio. Planning is to begin immediately, with construction beginning in months, and completion some time next year. This has been a long process, originally begun over 15 years ago. What a tremendous, well-deserved and long overdue measure of respect for the wonderful students at Rio Americano. I would like to thank a few people for their tireless efforts throughout this process-

The Hollis and Swedlow families have led the charge for years, and were always willing to give their time for our kids. Without them, this would not be happening right now.
The entire family of Niko Winchell. Niko’s passing was a tragedy for everyone who knew him, and for all of us in Rio Band. His family put their efforts behind our Theater effort as a way to honor Niko, and we are forever grateful. The theater will be a part of his legacy.
Rio Principal Brian Ginter has been a big supporter of the theater project, and went to bat for us throughout the process. We all appreciate his leadership and advocacy.
And a big thank you to everyone who helped make this happen- manning phone banks to help pass Measure N, attending meetings at Rio, attending Board meetings, and otherwise making your voices heard. This was a team effort, and WE DID IT!
Josh Murray

Rio Represents at Youth Trad Festival

February 9, 2015

Three Rio Bands – Jazz Workshop – Anything But That (Combo) & T.H.A.T. (Combo)  participated in the Sacramento Traditional Jazz Society’s- Traditional Jazz Youth Band Festival at CSUS on Saturday. The kids represented us all very well. One of our groups- T.H.A.T. (ask them what it means) was selected as the top high school group and performed at the evening showcase concert. Many of our kids won individual awards as well- Brady Hegland, best HS guitar/ banjo AND a scholarship to the STJS Jazz Camp. Valentina Makovey, best HS bass AND best club band bass. Duncan McElman, best HS reed player. Jacob Swedlow, best HS drums. Nick Augusta, best HS piano. Nolan Cyr, best HS trumpet. Raven Kauba, best HS vocalist. A job well done! Photos will be posted soon.

 

dsc_0079dsc_0078

Congratulations – 2015 Folsom Results

January 26, 2015

Our AM, PM and FM Jazz Ensembles, as well as 2 combos participated in the Folsom Jazz Festival on Saturday. There was some fantastic music played by all of our groups.

AM- 3rd place in AAA division- selected as a finalist.
Solo Awards were given to- Mikey Escobar, Emily Dunning, Jacob Swedlow and Ryan Clark. Mikey Escobar was also awarded a scholarship the the Port Townsend Jazz Camp, in Washington State.
PM- 4th place in the AA division.
Solo Awards- Valentina Makovey, Haley Furlong, Marko Flores, Timmy Voet, Jackson Stafford, Rosie Morehead, Neta Galili and Eric Treadwell.
FM- 1st place in Division C
Solo Awards- Daniel Nguyen, Eliza Wechsler-Azen and Finn Tobias.
Combo 1- 2nd place overall
Solo Awards- Jacob Swedlow, Mikey Escobar
Combo 2- Solo awards to Duncan McElman, Eric Treadwell, Sean Nelson and Timmy Voet
Great job Everyone!
Also Congratulations to senior Mikey Escobar, who was selected as one of only two tenor saxophonists in the All-State Jazz Band. Way to go Mikey!