Date: Fri 12-Mar-1999

Publication: Bee

Author: ANN

Quick Words:

Jazz-Project-band

Full Text:

Middle School Jazz Band Plays With The Best

(with photos)

BY ANN MARIE COHEN

The Newtown Middle School Jazz Band had the opportunity to play with the

greats. Band members from the Newtown Jazz Project were invited to perform at

the Wilton High School Jazz Symposium on March 5.

The band is directed by Jazz Band Director Mark Mahoney. Dennis Hyde, band

director, played with the ensemble. This event is usually reserved for high

school bands from Fairfield County.

The Newtown Jazz Project played jazz classics such as Tuxedo Junction,

Stompin' at the Savoy, Mack the Knife, and the Woodchopper's Ball.

The event was non-competitive and was organized and hosted by the Wilton High

School band director, Ben Walker. Each band was judged by other band directors

and received constructive criticism.

Students were given the opportunity to listen to area high school jazz bands

from Staples High School in Westport, Brian MacMahon High School in Norwalk,

and Wilton High School. Jazz students could appreciate the musical progression

that culminated with the big band sound of a professional band, The Berkshire

Band.

After the performance, directors met to discuss the music and ways in which

instructional improvements can be made.