Big Band Takes Home Silver from States
Members of the Big Band put spring break plans on hold last week to compete at the Massachusetts Association for Jazz Education State Finals on Saturday, March 18. They qualified for the competition by winning a Gold Medal at the MAJE Senior District Competition on Wednesday, March 1.
The Rivers Big Band members are: Jack Baker ’18, Max Bauriedel ’20, Jonah Berg ’20, Alex Gomez ’17, David Gomez ’20, Nazeli Hagen ’17, Shahen Hagen ’17, Theo Haviland ’19, Fie Jacobs ’18, Dylan Keusch ’19, Nina Knight ’18, Michael Manasseh ’19, Joe Nedder ’18, Andrew Reale ’17, Uli Schwendener ’17, Bradley Stoller ’19, and Sam Waller ’20.
Joe Nedder ’17 won the MVP award at the competition for his performance on the trombone. At the district competition, Joe and fellow musicians, Alex Gomez ’17 (saxophone) and Michael Manasseh ’19 (drums) all received Outstanding Musician awards for their performances.
Acknowledging that this year’s group of musicians is relatively young, band director Philippe Crettien praised their growth throughout the year.
“The band has constantly improved this year, and it was a good performance at the finals,” said Crettien. “We’re looking forward to learning exciting new music this spring,”
Joe Nedder and Michael Manasseh will both be playing at the MMEA All-State Festival in late April, having successfully auditioned for their parts last month. Manasseh was the only percussionist chosen, making him the “state drummer,” while Nedder was one of four trombonists chosen for the Jazz Band. Manasseh and Nedder are members of both the Rivers Big Band and the Select 1 Combo.
Click here to the Rivers Big Band, including Manasseh and Nedder in a performance of “Movin’ Uptown” by Benny Carter.
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