Santa Cruz Sweep

March 27, 2015

Our PM and FM Jazz Ensembles, as well as two combos performed at the Santa Cruz Jazz Festival last Saturday. PM and FM were both selected to perform at the command performanceon Saturday night. Judges and audience alike were impressed with all of the Rio kids. Solo awards were won by: Jackson Stafford, Neta Galili and Valentina Makovey (for PM AND her combo). Valentina was also selected for a scholarship to the Stanford Summer Jazz Camp. Way to go!

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.

 

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