EDISON – The John P. Stevens High School Band Program won several awards at a recent competition.
The school was the host to the New Jersey Association for Jazz Education (NJAJE) State Jazz Finals, Division 1, where nine of the top-ranked jazz bands performed on April 28.
The J.P. Stevens Jazz Ensemble, directed by Andrew DeNicola, placed first overall, winning outstanding trombone section, trumpet section, and “Best Sight-Reading Band.” In addition, Varun Das, senior drummer, was the recipient of the Rick Kerber Memorial Scholarship Soloist Award, according to information provided by the Band Parents Association.
The J.P. Stevens Lab Jazz Band, directed by John Zazzali, placed third overall. The two ensembles were invited to play at the NJAJE State Jazz Festival Gala on May 12 at Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School, according to the statement.
The J.P. Stevens High School Wind Ensemble, also directed by DeNicola, was selected to perform at the closing concert of the 20th Annual State Gala Concert, held at Kean University in Union on April 29, based on its performance at the Central Jersey Music Educators Association Concert Band Festival in March, according to the statement.
Other accolades this season include the J.P. Stevens Marching Hawks being named state champions in the Group VI Open competition and receiving the highest score overall, winning caption awards for Best Music and Best Visual, according to the statement.
In addition, 36 students from the school were selected through audition to the 2018 Central Jersey Region Band with 22 of those students selected to the 2018 New Jersey All-State Band. These students represent the highest number from any one school in New Jersey, according to the statement.