Recognitions/Awards:

Jeric Rocamora has received a full tuition scholarship to attend the prestigious Berklee School of Music, in Boston.
Andrew Stephens has been selected (for the second year in a row) to play in the Monterey Jazz Festival’s Next Generation All-Star Big Band. He will participate in a tour of Japan this summer.
Juniors Jacob Swedlow and Ryan Clark were awarded full scholarships to the Berklee School of Music 5 Week Summer music camp, on the Berklee campus in Boston.
Way to go!

Events:
Our Essentially Ellington clinic, originally scheduled for this past Monday, has been rescheduled for tomorrow morning. Marcus Printup, and trumpeter in the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra will work with out AM Jazz Ensemble in advance our their trip to NYC for the Essentially Ellington festival in two weeks.

Our next Small Ensemble Night will be next Wednesday, at 7pm in the band room. Come on out for the unusual shenanigans and eclectic music.

Rio alum, Levi Saelua is leading the Colossus West Big Band, performing his composition as well as new music from other modern composers, at JB’s Lounge on Sunday May 4th. The band will include our own Andrew Stephens and Lucas Bere, along with Mr. Kiesner, myself, rio alums Brandon and Justin Au, and other local musicians. Follow the link for more information.

1. This Wednesday, we will have very special guest artists at Rio. Out of the Blue, an all- male A Capella group from Oxford University (in England) will join us for an afternoon of fun and song. They’e been here twice before, and it’s always an amazing experience. Students should be sure to stick around after school. OOTB will be here from 1-3pm. Don’t miss it! Here’s a link to their website- http://www.ootb.org.uk/
2. Rio’s Open House is also this Wednesday night. We will be hosting a jam session in the band room. All are welcome to participate and/ or observe.

1. Our AM Jazz Ensemble performed at the Monterey Next Generation Jazz Festival over the weekend. They were met with a standing ovation, and Andrew Stephens won a solo award, as well as a 50% scholarship to the Berklee School of Music Summer program. Great job All!
2. I have attached a (very) preliminary and partial calendar of Rio Band events for the 2014/15 school year. We always strive to avoid scheduling conflicts, so please mark your calendars.
3. Many Rio Band students will be participating in the second annual “Midtown Jam” on Saturday, April 12th. It’s part of the Second Saturday festivities, and will be a great way to get the good word of Rio Band out to the wider Sacramento community. It’s sure to be a blast, so come on out and bring family, friends, neighbors, acquaintances, etc… Proceeds will benefit Rio Band and WEAVE. I’ve attached information about the event.
4. If you attend the Midtown Jam, you might also check out the opening of an exhibit from Markos Egure, the artist who painted our fabulous mural on the band room. It’s only a couple of blocks from out event!