Jazz Ensemble Wins Top Honors at 2009 Showcase!
The Imani School Jazz Ensemble, who performed at events during the 2009 Inauguration and opened for Grammy-Award winner Erykah Badu in March, has done it again!
Under the direction of saxophonist Leon Mitchison, the Jazz Ensemble competed in the 2009 Music Showcase Festival at Schlitterbahn Water Park in Galveston, Texas. The ensemble won the overall grand trophy in addition to other trophies in several sub categories.
Judged by professional adjudicators based on criteria such as tone, intonation, ensemble technique, interpretation, improvisation and literature. Out of 100 total points the group received ratings of 94, 92 and 90.
Individual award winners include: Marielle Sanchez - Outstanding Vocalist; Charles Whitaker - Bass Guitar and soloist; and Samuel Reid - Keyboard/Vibes soloist. The group merited a trophy and Superior rating. Members of the competing Jazz Ensemble were: Wiliam Johnson, Evan Lord, Samuel Reid, William Riggans, Marielle Sanchez and Charles Whitaker.
Way to go Imani Jazz Ensemble!
