Big Band Named 2016 Mingus Competition Finalist

 

The competition will take place February 12-14 at the Manhattan School of Music in New York City. Potential honors for the Big Band will be Outstanding Big Band, Outstanding Soloists, Outstanding Big Band Section, and the Mingus Spirit Award.

 

The Big Band is comprised of Rivers Students Jack Baker ’18, Jackson Barno ’16, Sam Denomme ’16, Ben Gomez ’17, Nazeli Hagen ’17, Shahen Hagen ’17, Theo Haviland ’19, Sophie Jacobs ’18, Dylan Keush ’19, Nina Knight ’18, Michael Manasseh ’19, Joe Nedder ’18, Grey Pierson ’19, Andrew Reale ’17, Bradley Stoller ’19, Alex Takoudes ’19, Roger Wirkala ’16, and Lincoln Zaleski ’16. The ensemble is directed by Philippe Crettien.

 

“I am so happy that the Rivers Big Band has been selected as a finalist this year,” Mr. Crettien said. “This is an outstanding achievement. The Big Band welcomed six new members from the middle school this year, and those students in particular have made tremendous progress since the beginning of the year and have contributed to what was already a very strong group.

 

“I want to thank Middle School Jazz Band Director Bill Jones and my RSC colleagues for preparing these new students for the Upper School ensembles and the high musical standard we have at Rivers.”

 

The Mingus competition honors the legacy of Charles Mingus, who died 37 years ago. Mingus, a virtuoso bass player, pianist, bandleader, and composer, is widely regarded as one of the most important figures in 20th century American music, and 2016 marks the 94th anniversary of his birth.

 

Last year, the Rivers Select 1A Combo earned the Mingus Spirit Award and in 2012 the Big Band took home the same honor. The Spirit Award is given annually to the ensemble whose spirit best reflects the unique style of Charles Mingus. The Select Combo brought home the competition’s Best Combo award in 2011.

Click here to see a clip from the Big Band's performance at an All-School Meeting earlier this fall.