Rio’s AM Jazz Ensemble has been selected as a finalist for the Essentially Ellington Festival, held this May at NYC’s Lincoln Center. This is the most prestigious and educational of all HS Jazz Festivals and Competitions, and AM is one of 15 finalists selected from a large, International pool of applicants. AM members will travel to NYC in May, perform at Lincoln Center, and work and mingle with Wynton Marsalis, the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra and the best young jazz musicians from around the country. This is the second year in a row, and the seventh time overall that Rio has been selected as an Essentially Ellington Finalist. Congratulations to all of the members of AM, as well as their families. Their hard work continues to pay off. Josh Murray Band Director
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