Oliver Ames High School’s Division 1 Jazz Band won the gold medal at the Massachusetts Association for Jazz Education (MAJE) state finals on Saturday, March 22. (Photo Courtesy Easton Public Schools)
EASTON — Superintendent Dr. Lisha Cabral and Principal Kelly Cavanaugh are proud to share that the Division 1 Jazz Band at Oliver Ames High School won its fourth consecutive gold medal at the Massachusetts Association for Jazz Education (MAJE) State Finals on Saturday, March 22.
This is the second time the Oliver Ames jazz band won four consecutive times in the MAJE State Finals, having accomplished the same feat 27 years ago in 1998. The victory in the MAJE State Finals means that the Division 1 Jazz Band has earned a spot to play in the Hatch Shell Showcase on Sunday, May 4.
During the same MAJE State Finals event on Saturday, the Oliver Ames Division 2 Jazz Band earned a silver medal for its performance.
The Division 1 Jazz Band’s competitive set included “Groove Merchant,” arranged by Thad Jones, “Sagebrush,” by Annie Booth, and “Elvin’s Mambo,” by Bob Mintzer. The Division 2 Jazz Band’s competitive set included “Chili Today, Hot Tamale,” by Rick Hirsch, “Angel Eyes,” arranged by Carl Strommen, and “Slideshow,” by Paul Baker.
The two Oliver Ames jazz bands earned their spot in the MAJE State Finals after both won gold medals during the Southeast District Qualifier in late February.
The Jazz Program at Oliver Ames is one of only three high school programs in the state to have two jazz bands make the State Finals since the COVID-19 pandemic, even as many schools send two bands to perform in district qualifiers.
On top of that, several musicians from the Oliver Ames Jazz Band earned individual honors.
Oliver Ames sophomore Eddie Bishop was named by MAJE judges as the competition’s Most Valuable Player in Division 1.
In addition, for the Oliver Ames Division 1 Jazz Band, judges awarded Matt Scarbrough for his performance on both the alto and soprano saxophone, while Puqi Lio was honored for his performance on the piano, and Eddie Bishop was given another award for his performance on the tenor saxophone.
The judges also gave awards for outstanding musicianship to Jonathan David, of the Division 2 Jazz Band, based on his alto saxophone performance.
In a rare occurrence, the entire trombone section of the Division 2 Jazz Band was awarded for outstanding musicianship, including Darwin Block, Sean O’Rourke, Ayat Uzzaman, Tristan Andersen and John Clarke.
Senior alto saxophone player Matt Scarbrough said his time with the Oliver Ames Jazz Program has been one of the greatest highlights of his time in high school.
“The Jazz Program at Oliver Ames is an inclusive and welcoming group of amazing people who push each other to be the best versions of themselves,” Scarbrough said. “Some of my best high school experiences are with the Thursday band, and I am so grateful to have been a part of it.”
Senior trumpet player Max Su called it a fulfilling experience to play in concert with so many like-minded musicians.
“It’s a unique opportunity to contribute to something greater than yourself and to know that each and every person around you is doing the same,” Su said.
Jeffrey Benson, Music Department Chair and Instrumental Music Director for Oliver Ames, said he was thrilled with the results and proud of his musicians for all of their hard work.
“I never tell my students I’m proud of them after a performance. I always tell them this at the rehearsal prior to the performance. That’s because what I am most proud of is the tremendous work ethic that these students have,” Music Director Benson said. “These kids receive a tremendous foundation in their music education in this program, and they choose to pursue excellence every time they pick up their instruments. This kind of sustained excellence has to be a daily choice, and I couldn’t be prouder of the choices they have all continued to make to get us to this point.”
Principal Kelly Cavanaugh and Superintendent Dr. Lisha Cabral offered hearty congratulations to the Division 1 Jazz Band and Division 2 Jazz Band for all of their accomplishments, crediting their hard work and dedication.
“Congratulations to our students and thank you to everyone who helped make this possible, including all of their parents and Mr. Benson,” Principal Cavanaugh said. “This is an amazing result to see both of our jazz bands earn gold medals during the qualifiers, before earning a gold and a silver in the State Finals. This speaks to the quality of our Music Department, the hard work of our students, and all the support they receive from their parents and the community. Bravo all around.”
“We are incredibly impressed by the continued dedication, passion and perseverance of each musician and staff leader, which are all essential to achieving this level of excellence year after year,” said Superintendent Dr. Cabral. “This takes a lot of people, along with a great deal of time and work, both on stage and behind the scenes. We share our heartfelt gratitude to each of them for their commitment to our wonderful students and this program. Congratulations to all on this well-deserved honor.”
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The Oliver Ames Division 2 Jazz Band won a silver medal at the Massachusetts Association for Jazz Education (MAJE) State Finals. (Photo Courtesy Easton Public Schools)
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