UCS Junior High band among only eight groups statewide selected for conference

The Malow Junior High School Jazz Band is among only eight Michigan ensembles to earn an invitation to a statewide conference of music educators.

The band was selected to perform at the Michigan Music Conference in Grand Rapids this January.

“Our entire community congratulates the Malow Jazz Band and is proud of how the student group represents our outstanding music programs,” Superintendent Dr. Christine Johns said. “This selection reflects the talents of the jazz band and the respect they receive from music educators throughout Michigan.”

The 22-member Malow band is one of only two jazz ensemble invited to perform at the conference. The band is under the direction of music teacher Jeffery Groth.

The band will perform a 45-minute set at the Amway Grand Hotel for band directors across Michigan.

Nearly 40 bands auditioned for the right to perform at the conference. Entries are judged during a blind audition by a listening panel of instrumental music teachers.

The Malow Jazz Band is an audition-only advanced group comprised of eighth and ninth grade students.

The band performs at all the evening school events at Malow and select Utica Community Schools events. The group has performed four times at Cliff Bell's Jazz Club and twice at the Music Hall Jazz Café in Detroit. It also performed at the Detroit Jazz Festival in 2015.

Source: Utica Community Schools

Superintendent Dr. Christine Johns

http://www.uticak12.org