Big Band Takes Gold at MAJE States
The Rivers Big Band performed at the Massachusetts Association for Jazz Education (MAJE) State Finals on March 22 at Framingham High School and earned a Gold Medal for their performance. In June, the Big Band will play in a showcase concert with the state’s other gold medal winners.
This honor comes on the heels of a Gold Medal performance at the MAJE Senior District competition on March 4. Rachel Hawley ’15, Jake Stenquist ’15, and Joseph Nedder ’18 were each awarded an Outstanding Musicianship award for their performances at the State competition, while John Nydam ’15 received the MVP award for the Small School (less than 500 students) division.
Rachel, Jake, and Joseph each won Outstanding Musicianship awards and John was named the MVP of the Senior District competition as well.
“I am so pleased with the tremendous progress of the band this year,” said Big Band director, Philippe Crettien. “It is a wonderful feeling to be recognized on both a national level, earning second place at the Berklee High School competition, and the state level with Gold Medals at the Senior District and State Finals. The hard work each individual has put in this year has really paid off.”
The Rivers Big Band is composed of Rachel Hawley, John Nydam, Jake Stenquist, Jeffrey Lin ’15, Jack Reid ’15, Jackson Barno ’16, Sam Denomme ’16, Roger Wirkala ’16, Lincoln Zaleski ’16, Alex Gomez ’17, Shahen Hagen ’17 Andrew Reale ’17, Jack Baker ’18, Sophie Jacobs ’18, Nina Knight ’18, and Joseph Nedder ’18.
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