Month: May 2022

Year-End Activities Coming Up

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Lots going on as we near the end of an amazing schoolyear!

Auditions will take place May 31-June 5 for placement in next year’s jazz and vocal jazz ensembles! This includes rising ninth graders.  More info and signup details here!

https://www.rooseveltjazz.org/events/auditions/

Then mark your calendar for fabulous year-end music concerts the ENTIRE week of June 6! Come celebrate the amazing growth and talents of Roosevelt’s band, orchestra, vocal jazz and big band musicians. See calendar for details.

We are also celebrating the gifts and career of our longtime director Scott Brown, who retires at the end of this year. RSVP for a farewell gathering June 11: https://www.rooseveltjazz.org/save-the-date-rsvp-for-a-farewell-to-scott-brown/

(edit: gathering was a great success, and fun was had by all!)

And read this wonderful coverage in the Seattle Times in which Wynton Marsalis calls Brown “a true jazz man with grace and sophistication to spare.” https://www.seattletimes.com/entertainment/music/scott-brown-roosevelt-high-schools-longtime-jazz-band-director-to-retire/

Roosevelt Jazz Bands 2 and 3 Win at Bellevue High Jazz Festival

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On Saturday, May 7, the Roosevelt Jazz Bands 2 and 3, both under the direction of Michael Van Bebber, competed in the Bellevue High School Jazz Festival in the Band 2/3 division. They both made it to the division finals; JB3 tied with Garfield 2 for a third place finish,  and JB2 took top honors in their division.

Congratulations to the students and Mr. Van Bebber on great performances. The students had a full day of playing with each other, hearing from clinicians, and being cheered on by their peers at the other schools. So grateful to be finally playing in front of a live audience!

 

Michael Van Bebber and Jazz Band 2 on the stage at Bellevue High

Roosevelt Jazz Band Shines at Essentially Ellington

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(chaperone updates from the Roosevelt Jazz Facebook page)
So Proud of Roosevelt Jazz!!! Grateful for the Essentially Ellington journey and the opportunity to be part of 15 amazing jazz bands selected. Congratulations to the top three finalists Foxboro High School, Orange County School of the Arts and Osceola County School of the Arts.
A gigantic congratulations to Director Scott Brown, the Roosevelt Jazz Band and to the amazing musicians who make it swing!
And special kudos to the soloist and section award winners!
Outstanding Rhythm Section:
Theo Shouse, Quinn Wedemeyer, Grace Kaste, Yoshi Stroh, Alexander Polyakovsky, Alejandro Roca
Outstanding Saxophone Section:
Owen Gwinn, Taiyo Fuwa, Rachel Nolander, Dylan Senescall, Liam Randell
Outstanding Piano: Theo Shouse
Outstanding Drums: Yoshi Stroh & Alexander Polyakovsky
Outstanding Bass: Grace Kaste
Honorable Mention: Banjo Maco Dacanay
Outstanding Tenor Sax: Owen Gwinn
Outstanding Trumpet: Javier Gonzalez

Cheer on the Roosevelt Jazz Band at Essentially Ellington!

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The Roosevelt Jazz Band is in New York City this week, at the House of Swing.  The festival will be online and you can cheer on Roosevelt Jazz from home!

 

Want to watch the livestream?

If you are interested in watching, the performances are live streamed. Here are the details:

  • Roosevelt Jazz plays Saturday, around 10:45am EST (7:45am PST)
  • Sat Finals/Award Show 7:30pm EST, 4:30pm PST

Share this link with family and friends and cheer the kids on virtually at https://2022.jazz.org/essentially-ellington?fbclid=IwAR34orXAyr14gDXXloyudqnq-aAguFwEPYHe-kbgduxR0kGKF3oHt-cld4Q

EE FULL SCHEDULE:

  • Fri Competition Part I (8 bands) begins today at 2pm EST (11am PST)
  • Sat Competition Part II (4 bands including Roosevelt) begins at 10am EST (7am PST)
  • Sat Competition Part III (3 bands) begins at 1pm EST (10am PST)
  • Sat Finals/Award Show 7:30pm EST, 4:30pm PST*

http://jazz.org/ee

 

Want to see photos?

Check out our Facebook page::

https://www.facebook.com/rhsjazzseattle

Rehearsal at the New School, Wednesday.