For the last three years the Jazz Band and director Mr. Camacho have been invited to the Florida Band Masters Association State Jazz Band Assesment, held at Barron Collier High School in Naples, Florida. This year was different; the Jazz Band Chiefs received a superior rating for the first time since 2007 and before that 2004.

Students performed solos and ensembles. Four students, Charlie Basantes, Kaity Gomez, Nadiem Idrisi, and Giovanny Guarin were honored with Superiors with Distinction which means that the students played from memory, not off their sheet music. Also there were 2 students with Superiors and some students who achieved Excellence.

“It took a lot of time to memorize my solo,” said senior Charlie Basantes who plays the euphorium. “I felt relieved that I got it over with. It was a great feeling to get this superior.”

Senior Kaity Gomez who plays the marimba was very proud of her accomplishment.

“I didn’t think I’d be able to get it. It’s a very good experience to have,”  said Gomez

Tonight from 7:00-10:00 p.m there is a Jazz Festival at Palm Beach State College that our Jazz Band, the only high school invited, is performing.

It will be held in the Duncan Theatre with the Jazz Band’s performance at 8:00 p.m. Admission is ten dollars.

“This year’s band has inspired me to keep on working hard and making sure future classes also have this opportunity,” said Mr. Camacho.