Town Honors High School Jazz Groups

The Board of Selectmen officially recognized two Jazz groups Wednesday night.

First Selectman Richard Barlow read a proclamation at the start of "An Evening of Jazz" concert at the high school. The proclamation recognized the Canton High School Jazz Ensemble and Jazz Combo "A" for their accomplishments at the 2012 Berklee College of Music High School Jazz Festival in March. Both groups took first-place honors in their divisions.

Seniors Bill Villano and Tom Kelley were also honored at the festival and the proclamation acknowledges their musicianship awards. 

Barlow briefly excused himself from the Board of Selectmen meeting Wednesday to read the proclamation, which he said was on behalf of the entire board. 

The jazz groups have also received other recent accolades. 

The two groups also performed at the UMASS Jazz Festival,with the ensemble garnering top group and Kelley and Villano receiving full scholarships to a summer program at the university. 

In addition, the jazz ensemble recently opened up for the Air Force Academy Falconaires at the Warner Theatre. 

See videos of the Canton groups at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BbvDxML2RCU&feature=youtu.be

In addition, a podcast of the performances at Berklee is available at http://berkleejazz.org/competition-recordings.