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3/4/2023 - Middle School Jazz Band Performs at New Hartford Jazz Festival

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On Friday, March 4, the Middle School Jazz Band traveled to New Hartford High School to participate in the 45th annual New Hartford Jazz Festival (NHJF). It was the first NHJF performance for the Whitesboro Middle School Jazz Band since 2020 and the first such performance for the 15 students involved.

The band performed three songs, then received a clinic from Syracuse University percussion professor Josh Dekaney and mid-performance commentary from Dekaney and Cornell University jazz director Paul Merrill.

The band earned a “silver” rating, and four members received All-Star Awards:
Ethan Cidzik, Tenor Saxophone
Alex Phelps, Drums
Matthew Ryan, Piano
Karen Sharkey, Alto Saxophone

“The band represented our school exceptionally well,” said Mr. Greg Clark, the band’s director. “These students have never done anything quite like this and we are proud of what we were able to accomplish. Our experience on stage and hearing the other bands from the audience were motivating learning experiences.”