Rio’s ‘Minguys’ Jazz Combo won at the Charles Mingus Festival

February 18, 2013
I’m thrilled and proud to announce that Rio’s ‘Minguys’ Jazz Combo was the winner at yesterday’s Charles Mingus Festival, held at NYC’s Manhattan School of Music!
The Minguys were selected as finalists from a national pool of applicants, and chosen as the Festival’s best combo in an awards ceremony last night.
Congratulations to Mr. Kiesner, who is in NYC with the group right now, and to the members of the group- Emery Mesich, Taylor Mesich, Andrew Stephens, Harrison Smith, Joey Cozza, Henry Lunetta, Jeric Rocamora and Paul Slater.
 
In addition, three of the members won individual awards, and were asked to perform with the Mingus Big Band last night-
Emery Mesich- outstanding saxophone
Andrew Stephens- outstanding trumpet
Joey Cozza- outstanding piano
Here’s a link to the video about the Minguys produced by Rebecca Leroux at SJUSD:
And a link to a NYC area web story about the Festival (pre-results):
Please join me in saluting the hard work and determination of these amazingly talented and dedicated kids.
Josh Murray
Band Director

Rio Combo Chosen as Finalist in Prestigious Festival:

January 17, 2013

Congratulations to the Minguys Jazz Combo on their acceptance into the 5th annual Charles Mingus High School Jazz Festival and Competition!  The band will travel to New York City to participate in the event, held at the Manhattan School of Music, on February 16th-17th.  The days are filled with clinics and concerts from New York’s finest musicians and jazz educators. Members of the Minguys Jazz Combo are:

Joey Cozza – Piano,

Henry Lunetta – Guitar,

Emery Mesich – Alto Sax,

Taylor Mesich – Tenor Sax,

Harrison Smith – Trombone,

Andrew Stephans – Trumpet,

Jeric Rocamora – Bass,

Paul Slater – Drums.

Check it out!! @ www.mingusmingusmingus.com

2013MingusHSFinalistsUPDATE

Rio Band Alum Michael Wang (2012) Presidential Scholarship

November 28, 2012

trombonist Michael Wang was awarded Berklee College of Music’scoveted Presidential Scholarship.

The four-year scholarship is valued at approximately $225,000 and covers tuition, housing and fees, school officials said. It is awarded each year to seven of the most talented young musicians across the world.

Read more here from the Sacramento Bee about Rio Band Alum Michael Wang: http://blogs.sacbee.com/report-card/2012/11/sacramento-trombonist-awarded-coveted-225000-scholarship.html