Last month, Irvine High School’s Jazz bands attended the 55th annual Reno Jazz Festival at the University of Nevada, Reno, demonstrating why Irvine High’s Jazz bands are some of the best in the west.
Competing against musicians from California, Colorado, Nevada, Oregon and Washington, the school’s Combo 1, placed first in the AAA combo category, while Jazz I placed second in the AA Band division and the Jazz II ensemble placed third in the Apprentice II Band division. The first place Combo 1 band was comprised of four students from Jazz I, including Ray McCurrie, piano/soprano sax; Daniel Woo, Bass; Geneva Daniels, Drums; and Sho Chawla, Alto Sax, who played all original compositions by Ray McCurrie.
Divisions are determined by school size and divided from smallest to largest C, B, A, AA, AAA, AAAA- the Apprentice divisions are novice groups from the same school.
Competing against some 30 bands during the festival, Irvine High’s top jazz musicians received unanimous superior ratings and placed 2nd overall. Congratulations to Irvine High’s Jazz teams for another job well done.