Making Music: LHS to Host One Festival, Compete in Another

This Saturday will be a busy one for many of the musically inclined from Lexington High. Vocals will be the main attraction here in Lexington, while jazz will be the genre of choice this Saturday in Boston, according to a pair of press releases.

Boston Area Youth in Harmony Festival

LHS vocal music will host the Boston Area Youth in Harmony Festival this Saturday, March 2, culminating with a concert performance at 7:30 p.m. featuring Vocal Revolution (formerly the Sounds of Concord), as well as two award-winning barbershop/pop style groups, Downtown Crossing and Foreign Exchange.  

According to a press release introducing the festival, the Boston Area Youth in Harmony Festival affords area high school students the opportunity to attend workshops and clinics earlier in the day, as well as the chance to perform on the evening program. Some of Lexington High’s own a cappella groups are expected to perform.

There will not be advanced ticket sales for the Boston Area Youth in Harmony Festival, but tickets may be purchased at the door for $10 for adults and $5 for students.

Berklee College of Music 45th High School Jazz Festival

Even as it hosts one regional festival, Lexington High will be competing in another: The LHS Jazz Combo is registered to compete in this year’s Berklee High School Jazz Festival, to be held this Saturday, March 2 at the Hynes Convention Center.

The Berklee College of Music High School Jazz Festival is the largest high school jazz competition in the country, hosting more than 200 bands and vocal ensembles featuring 3,000 students from 13 U.S. states and Puerto Rico, according to the school.

In addition to competing for $175,000 in scholarships to Berklee's Five-Week Summer Performance Program, participants will also enjoy clinics and concerts from noted contemporary jazz musicians, including Aubrey Logan and the Metta Quintet.

Last year, the Lexington High School Jazz Ensemble took second place in Large Ensemble category, Class L1, while the LHS Jazz Combo took first in the Small Ensemble, class S1. 

You can listen to recordings from last year's winning performances by clicking here. 

For those interested in attending the festival and performances, the entire event is free and open to the public, and will take place on from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. this Saturday, March 2, 2013, at the Hynes Convention Center, 900 Boylston St., Boston. Scholarship and award winners will be announced at 5:30 p.m., followed by a winners showcase concert at 7:30 p.m. Find the complete schedule at berkleejazz.org.

In addition to witnessing the performances by the top high school jazz bands in the country, audiences will experience top Berklee students in the Tower of Power ensemble, the Rainbow Band, and the Berklee Global Jazz Institute. Also performing will be the Marine Corps All Star Band, led by Berklee alumnus Chief Warrant Officer Stephen B. Giove.