Jazz Band Accolades From Berklee Jazz Festival

This weekend the EGHS Jazz Band travelled to the Berklee College Jazz Festival.  I am pleased to announce that the band finished in 4th place, an Honorable Mention.
Additionally, Andrew Miner won 1 of 4 outstanding musician awards for our division.

Image via http://i.imgur.com/L3TW8.jpg?1

Initially, I was just going to post the results above, then I was pleasantly surprised to receive the following email which summarizes the true spirit and dedication it takes to be a member of the EGHS Jazz Band:


I had the opportunity to go with the Jazz Band to the 45th Annual Berklee College of Music High School Jazz Festival.  East Greenwich was recognized on several fronts.  Andrew Miner received 2 awards for his play on the saxophone.  The Jazz Band earned honorable mention in its category for ensemble play, 4th Place out of 16 schools in their division.  We also received an award for 35 years of participation.  Mr. Carniaux and Mr. Mattera deserve a great deal of  thanks for their time and commitment to music program in our community.  Why this would be enough, it's just the start of what took place on Saturday.  I was awe struck by the amount of high schools from all over the country, as far away as Chicago and California who competed.  EG was up against performing arts high schools and performed admirably.  I've often had the chance to listen to the Jazz Band and what Brendan has done is just outstanding.  He has created a community, a "safe place" for students who fit in and feel at home with him in the band room.  I really didn't understand it until I spent the day with the Jazz Band and saw them in their element.  Our students rehearse early in the mornings, in the summer, on weekends, and even (due to weather) during February break to get ready.  I saw thousands of students on Saturday and was truly amazed by their passion and how music plays such a vital role in their lives.  Our students are no different.  They carried themselves in a professional manner and represented the East Greenwich community in a way that would make us all proud.  Their love of music is encouraged and nurtured at EGHS.  Music is its own language and is another shining example of what is great about EG.  I usually don't write things like this, but in our sports happy society, this "sport" was every bit as exciting, it's just another example of why I am proud to be teacher at East Greenwich High School. 
(Posted with permission)

Thank you to everyone who made this post possible.

-Go Avengers!