Carson High wind, blues jazz ensembles win big at Music in the Park Festival

The Carson High School Wind Ensemble and Midnight Blues Jazz Ensemble performed in Southern California, taking home numerous awards at last weekend’s Music in the Parks Festival. The festival took place at the Performing Arts Center of Baldwin Park and ended with an awards ceremony at the Universal Studios CityWalk in Universal City, Calif. The music teams competed among many other schools from multiple states.

CHS Director of Bands Bill Zabelsky reported that both groups did outstanding at the festival. The Midnight Blues Jazz Ensemble received an excellent rating, took first place and overall best jazz ensemble. In addition, Jacob Richetta, senior, received outstanding soloist award for his performance on the tenor sax.

The wind ensemble received a superior rating, first place in the Concert Band/Wind Ensemble division and overall Best Concert Band/Wind Ensemble in the entire festival.

Both the CHS band department and the choir department combined received the Esprit de Corps award for an exemplary attitude of positive support and outstanding personal behavior throughout the festival weekend. They were awarded for their personal integrity, quality character values, a desire for excellence and a spirit of cooperation.

The next performance of the CHS Wind Ensemble, Concert and Cadet Bands and Jazz Band will be the Wind and Percussion Spring Concert at 7 p.m. May 22 at the Carson City Community Center. Admission is free to the public, but donations are gladly accepted.

For information about the band boosters, those interested in supporting these talented music students can contact Raynell Heaton, booster club treasurer, at 775-560-3816 or P.O. Box 317, Carson City, Nev. 89703.