Souhegan Receives Honorable Mention at UNH Jazz Fest

Submitted by Souhegan High School:

The SHS Jazz Ensemble receiving an Honorable Mention for their performance at the Clark Terry UNH Jazz Festival on Saturday, March 8. Souhegan Jazz was one of 17 bands in the smaller school category that included schools from New Hampshire, Maine, Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

In addition to the adjudicated performances by the schools involved, the day included performances by jazz trombonist Wycliffe Gordon and trumpeter Rex Richardson guest performing with the UNH Jazz Ensemble as well as vocal and rhythm section clinics by professors from UNH and the Berklee School of Music.

HISTORY:

The annual UNH jazz festival features guest artists, UNH jazz faculty, the UNH Jazz Band, and high- and middle-school students from throughout New England.

The UNH jazz faculty have a long-standing relationship with jazz great, Clark Terry. In his honor and name, the Music Department holds an annual jazz festival. The festival includes adjudicated performances by high- and middle-school groups, clinics and performances by guest artists and UNH students, and gala concerts by guest artists and the UNH Jazz Band.

Each year, the festival attracts jazz groups from 55-60 high schools and middle schools throughout New England and New York. Performing groups include high school big bands, middle school big bands, jazz combos, jazz choirs, as well as solo vocalists. All groups are adjudicated and given written and recorded comments.