We will hold a Small Ensemble night tomorrow (Wednesday) at 7pm in the band room. Come out to hear Rio students perform tunes by the likes of Cake, Charles Mingus, Hall & Oates, Louis Armstrong, Regina Spektor, Led Zeppelin and others. All are welcome.

Junior Bassoonist Emily Dunning participated in the Nor-Cal Honor Band at Sonoma State over the weekend, and was awarded a scholarship to the Cazadero Music Camp. Way to go Emily!

The Sacramento Jazz Orchestra, including myself, Mr. Kiesner and many local jazz favorites, will perform the music of Duke Ellington at JB’s Lounge on Sunday, March 2nd. Reservations are required, as it will sell out. Click Here for the Flyer

Interesting ongoing two month lecture series by Herbie Hancock…Click on Video as the lectures come online..

Check out the series here

Three Rio Groups participated in the Traditional Jazz Festival (think New Orleans in the 1920’s) at CSUS on Saturday. Rio students swept every “best of” instrumental award, and our “Red Hot Moldy Fig Stompin’ Babies Jass Club of Rio Americano” was selected as the top high school group and invited to play in the showcase concert.

Rio’s award winners were-
Andrew Stephens- best HS trumpet, 4th year in a row
Lucas Bere- best HS saxophone
Sarah Pearlman- best HS trombone
Joshua Kravitz, best HS piano
Devan Kortan, best HS banjo
Valentina Makovey, best HS bass
Jacob Swedlow, best HS drums
Also, Brady Hegland (freshman banjo/guitar) was awarded a music camp scholarship.

Congrats to all of our participants.