On behalf of the Band Boosters, I would like to congratulate the Scarborough High School jazz bands on fine performances at the 38th Berklee College of Music’s annual High School Jazz Festival! We are very proud of both the Jazz Ensemble, under the direction of Norm Richardson, and the Scarborough Jazz Combo, under the direction of Willie Johnson.

Nearly 3,000 students and more than 200 ensembles competed from across the nation. It was quite an honor and wonderful surprise for the 20-member Scarborough High School Jazz Ensemble to have earned the distinction of Honorable Mention at the largest jazz festival of its kind in the country. With regard to individual awards, the judges choose one outstanding musician from each ensemble that contributes a certain je ne sais quoi to his or her band. Senior Fred Kennedy was honored to receive the Judges Choice Award twice, for both Jazz Combo and Jazz Ensemble. And Scarborough High School was also presented an award in recognition of our 15 Year Anniversary of participating at the jazz festival!

The Scarborough High School bands were also very pleased to have four Scarborough alums, one of whom currently attends Berklee College and one of whom works at Berklee, seek out and help us at the festival. Imagine that – groupies!

The Band Boosters are also very thankful to all of the many parents, students, and community members that work hard throughout the year to support band programs. This support is the only way opportunities like this are made possible.

We can’t say thank you enough!

Now mark your calendars for your chance to see these fine musicians on Jazz Nights: Tuesday and Wednesday, April 4 and 5, at the Scarborough Middle School.

The Scarborough High School Jazz Ensemble recently performed at the Berklee College of Music’s annual High School Jazz Competition. From left to right in the back row are Matt Sirocki, Dean Ford, Matt Labonty, Willie Gianetta, Fred Kennedy, Melissa Anson, Christopher Gregoire, Allie Solender. In the middle row are Chris McCormick, Michael Thurlow, Amie Dick, Stephanie Stoddard. In the front row are Karen Smith, Kim Stoddard, Charlie Salevsky, Hannah Flewelling, Nolan Scheemaker, Molly Massa. Not Pictured: Phil Lambert and Billy Seidel