Staples Jazz Ensemble Wins Top Award At Regional Competition

From Westport Public Schools: WESTPORT, CT — This past Friday, the Staples Jazz Ensemble was awarded first place at the seventh annual Darien High School Jazz Jamboree. 10 area jazz ensembles participated in the event, which was adjudicated by UCONN jazz faculty members Earl MacDonald and John Mastrioni. The SJE received consistently high marks in all captions, including perfect scores for Time as well as Presentation/Programming from both adjudicators.

Mastrioni described the rhythm section as “burning” and commended the ensemble for playing “a difficult program very well. That goes for everyone.” The two adjudicators awarded an Outstanding Musicianship Award to junior drummer Dylan Goodman, who was heavily featured on the band’s closing number.

The ensemble received a total score of 186 out of a possible 200 points split among 8 captions, and while the top three bands were separated by just five points, Staples received minimal deductions. “When we finished our performance, it felt like it was the best we had played all year” expressed Phil Giampietro, who is in his first year as director of bands at Staples. “To me, that feeling is the most important takeaway from this event. I know that performing at such a high level is important to the students as well, and they are incredibly excited to be recognized for all their hard work. Considering the level of musicianship being displayed by the other bands at the festival, our students should feel very proud.”

The Staples Jazz Ensemble travels to UCONN on Friday, March 13th to participate in their jazz festival, and will take the stage in competition at Norwalk High School’s jazz festival on March
20th.