Marin School of the Arts Advanced Jazz Band Judged “Perfect”
at Santa Cruz Jazz Festival!

Nine Outstanding Musicianship Awards and Four Scholarships
Given to MSA Musicians

The performance by the Marin School of the Arts Advanced Jazz Band during Saturday's Santa Cruz Jazz Festival momentarily silenced even the judges. But when the crowd erupted in applause and a standing ovation seconds later, the judges could offer only one parting word each for these talented musicians: "WOW!", "Bravo!" and "Perfect!"

The MSA I Jazz Big Band, comprised of 20 of the most advanced musicians in the school, took 1st place at the festival, earning a Command Performance. The band was the first and only big band to earn "Perfect" scores from each of the festival judges. The Santa Cruz Jazz Festival, held on Friday, March 30 and Saturday, March 31, is the largest jazz festival in Northern California with over 75 participating schools from Eureka to Fresno. According to one festival judge, the MSA Jazz Band is "the most musical high school band I've ever had the pleasure of listening to." In the jazz world, this is a high compliment indeed.

In addition to the stellar performance by the Advanced Jazz Band, both of the MSA small group combos earned top ratings and raves from the judges as well. The MSA II Jazz Big Band, consisting of primarily freshman, earned straight 1’s in Performance, a remarkable achievement for a young group. They were the highest rated group of all the bands that performed on Friday. The Novato High School Band earned an overall 1 rating from the judges. The MSA Jazz Choir also received unanimous “2’s” for their performance.

Eight individual awards were also given to MSA I students for Outstanding Musicianship by the International Association of Jazz Educators, and one to a Novato High School band member. In addition, four students were recognized with prestigious scholarships to Berklee College of Music’s Summer Program.

The eight MSA I students receiving individual solo honors included Nick Grinder (trombone), Nick de Ryss (drums), James Perderlwitz (tenor sax), James Harman (guitar), Ali Rucker (flute), Jason Mauch (bass), Kelly Styger (alto sax), Mayhda Basho (piano). Nolan Rees (tenor sax) from Novato High School’s jazz band was awarded an Outstanding Musicianship certificate. James Perdelwitz and James Harman also received solo awards for their performance in the small group combos.

James Harman, James Perdelwitz, Nick de Ryss and Nick Grinder each received scholarships to Berklee College of Music Program for their solo performances. These awards are determined by the festival judges during the Command Performance.

The MSA I Jazz Band performed three songs “Point of No Return” by Eric Richards, “Fantazm” by Duke Ellington and John LaBarbera and “Cut’N Run” by Gordon Goodwin. These selections are highly complex songs that are typically not tackled by high school bands.

“The Santa Cruz Jazz Festivals is one of the biggest and toughest festivals in the state with many of the top jazz bands competing. To have The Marin School of the Arts Jazz I Big Band achieve the rare distinction of getting three perfect scores from the judges and placing first out of 75 bands is amazing. Part of the success has to go to our eight seniors, many of whom have received large scholarships totaling over $300,000.00 to attend college at prestigious universities and music conservatories next year,” says Mark Peabody, Director of Marin School of the Arts. The band, made up of students from throughout Marin County is recognized as one of the top high school groups in the state.

The two small group combos from Marin School of the Arts included: MSA Jazz Combo I: Nick de Ryss (drums), Nick Grinder (trombone), Jason Mauch (bass), James Perderwitz (tenor sax), and James Harmon (guitar), and MSA Jazz Combo II: Erin Greenwell (vocals), James Harman (guitar) and Seth Honig (bass).

Next up for MSA is the Reno Jazz Festival on April 27 through 29, which attracts over three hundred bands from 7 states. Mark Peabody, MSA jazz band director, believes that the students have a chance to win. The Reno Jazz festival is the largest in the Western United States and the level of performances is unsurpassed.

MSA Visual and Digital Art Students join with the
Art League of Northern California in Gallery Show
March 23-April 6 at Art League Gallery in Hamilton

Visual art and Digital art students from MSA are working collaboratively with the Art League of Northern California to produce an art show. “Tomorrow’s Artists Today,” features the work of 38 MSA students. The event takes place from March 23 through April 6, with the opening reception held at the Art League Gallery, 500 Palm Drive, Hamilton Field, on Friday, March 23 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.

Professional artists from the Art League are volunteering their time to work with the high school artists and involve them in the details of producing a professional art show, as well as expose them various gallery management techniques. “For my students, the experience of showing their art in a professional gallery setting gives them a sense of recognition from the larger community, and instills in them the belief that they are valued as artists” said Carina Strano, MSA Visual Arts Teacher.

– Painting by Mehran Azizian, MSA art student, Grade 12.

MSA Earns Command Performance at Folsom Jazz Festival
13 Soloists given “Awards of Excellence” by Festival Judges

The Marin School of the Arts Jazz Band I earned a coveted Command Performance on Saturday, January 27 at the Folsom Jazz Festival, scoring ‘Unanimous Superior’ for the fourth year in a row. In addition, the band was selected to participate in the evening finals competition – one of only four Jazz Bands to be chosen for this honor. The bands were selected based on their scores from the judges. Over 75 bands from across the state participated in festival.

The MSA Jazz Combo III, featuring Erin Greenwell (vocals), James Harmon (guitar) and Seth Honig (bass) received top scores for their ensemble performance earning ‘Unanimous Superior’ ratings.

The MSA Big Band performed two selections including The Same M.O. by Bill Zaccagni and Del Corazon by Mike Tomaro. James Harmon (guitar) and James Perdelwitz (tenor saxophone) each received “Awards of Excellence” for their solo performances in the Big Band. Solo awards are given at the judges’ discretion to individual musicians whose performances are judged outstanding.

All three members of the MSA Jazz Combo III were also given Awards of Excellence for their performances during the combo competition; James Perdelwitz (tenor saxophone), Ali Rucker (vocals) and Kelly Styger (alto saxophone) received individual honors in MSA Combo I and II, respectively. Two students from MSA II received Awards of Excellence -- Ryan Eder (tenor saxophone) and John Kemnitz (xylophone), as well as John Duong (alto saxophone) from the NHS jazz band. For the first time ever, the MSA Jazz Choir received ‘Unanimous Superior’ scores, finishing in the top two in its division. Awards of Excellence for vocal performances were given to Erin Greenwell and Josh Voeltz.

MSA Jazz Band Instructor Mark Peabody said, “Folsom Jazz Festival is the second largest high school festival and attracts up to 75 schools throughout the state. This year, MSA clearly established itself as one of the elite high school bands in the state. I’m extremely proud of this talented, dedicated group of musicians.” MSA II, the jazz band consisting of primarily freshman and sophomore musicians, along with Novato High School’s jazz band also participated in the festival. “The MSA II band and Novato High School’s band also did well in their performance. It’s exciting to see Novato represented so well by all three of our bands.”

Oberlin Conservatory Jazz Septet Conducts Master Class and
Public Concert At Marin School of the Arts

Oberlin Conservatory, one of the top ranked music conservatories in the United States will conduct an afternoon Master Class with Marin School of the Arts Jazz students on January 24th, followed by a public concert in the evening.  The concert will be held on Wednesday, January 24th at 7:00 p.m. in Novato High School’s Performing Arts Center.  The public is invited to attend the evening event.

The Oberlin Jazz Septet (OJS) selected two high schools -- Marin School of the Arts and Berkeley High School -- to visit on their West Coast tour. Both schools are well known for their outstanding Jazz Programs and performances in statewide Jazz Festivals and competitions. The OJS Master Class will include all three bands from Novato High School: MSA Jazz I, MSA Jazz II and the Novato High School Jazz Band.

The OJS is a small jazz ensemble made up of the most outstanding student performers at the Oberlin Conservatory of Music at Oberlin College. Each year, the jazz faculty members nominate their best students for membership in the distinguished ensemble. The ensemble is directed by Professor of Jazz Studies and Double Bass Peter Dominguez. The septet’s performance repertoire includes original compositions and arrangements of classic jazz.

In past years, the ensemble has been featured at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts; Jazz Aspen Snowmass; the Detroit, Elmhurst, and Notre Dame jazz festivals; top performance venues in Cleveland, Atlanta, Chicago, St. Louis, Washington D.C., Kansas City, Philadelphia, Denver, Richmond, Virginia, and Jacksonville, Florida; and at selected high schools and arts programs throughout the United States.

At the evening concert, three small group jazz combos and the MSA and Novato High School Big Bands will perform first, followed by the Oberlin Jazz Septet. In addition to its high school tour, the Jazz Septet plans two additional public performances. The first is on Sunday, January 21st, from 8-11 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way in Berkeley. The cover charge is $10. The second is on Thursday, January 25th, from 7:30 p.m. – midnight at Savanna Jazz, 2937 Mission Street in San Francisco. The cover charge for Savanna Jazz is $8.00.

About the Oberlin Conservatory
The Oberlin Conservatory of Music, founded in 1865 and part of the intellectual vitality of Oberlin College since 1867, is renowned internationally as a professional music school of the highest caliber and is the oldest continuously operating conservatory in the United States. Oberlin offers a premier undergraduate jazz studies program, chaired by Professor of African American Music Wendell Logan, that prepares students for careers as professional jazz musicians and for advanced study in jazz. The jazz studies faculty includes composers and performers who, in addition to teaching lessons and coaching ensembles, maintain active performing careers throughout the world. Numerous Oberlin alumni have achieved success in the jazz idiom, among them keyboardist Ted Baker, pianist and composer Stanley Cowell, bassist, composer, and arranger Leon Lee Dorsey, pianist, arranger, and producer Allen Farnham, bassist Ben Jaffe, composer and pianist Jon Jang, writer, composer, and saxophonist James McBride, and trumpeter, trombonist, and composer Michael Mossman.

MSA Performance and Event Photographs

MSA Parent Ian Joseph has set up a website to display MSA performance and event photos. Photographs are also available for purchase at a nominal cost with proceeds benefiting Novato HS booster programs. Recent performances include Hot Mikado, The Veldt, and Repent Harlequin.

MSA Student Sponsors Timbuktu Music Project
Lucy Pecora raises funds to buy instruments for African Students

After spending last summer in West Africa, Lucy Pecora, a junior at Marin School of the Arts at Novato High, has created the Timbuktu Music Project to raise funds for the purchase of musical instruments for African students. Lucy, a Musical Theater 3 student, co-founded the project with GLEAN (Global Education and Action Network), a non-profit organization, which provides expeditions, training, and support to teenagers researching the world cultures and issues.

Lucy had the idea for starting the Timbuktu Music Project after traveling to Africa and seeing the extreme poverty and lack of musical instruments available to students. “There was a moment when the whole trip came together for me. We spent an evening with local kids on the rooftops playing music and eating with a few “caravaners” that had come across the desert,” according to Lucy. “I quickly realized how important music is to their traditions, community and culture. I wanted to help out somehow,” she adds. “That one amazing experience started the process of formulating fundraising ideas.”

Since the beginning of the academic year, Lucy has already sent letters to all MSA students asking for their support in raising money for the project. Last month, Marin School of the Arts donated a portion of the proceeds from their November 3rd Soiree to help Lucy’s efforts. Lucy is also offering T-shirts for sale with the Timbuktu Music Project graphic.

In addition to purchasing musical instruments, any money raised would also go toward funding a trip for African Musicians to attend the International Festival in the desert next year. Lucy is also collecting used instruments, which will be donated to the students.

If you would like to donate an old instrument or money to Lucy’s cause, please contact Lucy Pecora at no_combination_of_words@hotmail.com. You can also contact Marin School of the Arts via email at info@marinschoolofthearts.com. “We are very proud that Lucy has taken a life changing experience through the GLEAN organization and turned it into an opportunity to help others less fortunate,” says David Sinaiko, Musical Theater and Drama Director at Marin School of the Arts.“MSA is dedicated to supporting all students passionate in the arts, so we’re thrilled to be able to support this worthy cause. I hope that many in the community will also contribute to keeping music alive for African students.”