Upper School Jazz Ensemble and Jazz Combo Participate in the Berklee Jazz Festival

On February 6, the Upper School Jazz Ensemble and Jazz Combo participated in the 48th Annual Berklee High School Jazz Festival in Boston—the largest of it’s kind in the world.  One group came all the way from Copenhagen, Denmark!  Both Waynflete groups played well and received wonderful scores and comments.  Neither ensemble ‘placed’ by finishing in the division’s top four, but were in the hunt!  Will Black ’17 (tenor sax) was recognized as the outstanding performer in the Jazz Ensemble and Julia Hansen ’18 (upright bass) received the award for the Combo!

Ensemble members as presented at the Berklee festival:

US Jazz Ensemble

Matthew Beard ’19 – Tenor Sax
Will Black ’17 – Tenor Sax
Andrew Clark ’18 – Electric Bass
Eliza Cox ’18 – Alto Sax
Jacob Greene ’18 – Baritone Sax
Nick Hagler ’18 – Drums
Mykel Henry ’19 – Tenor Sax
Leeza Kopaeva ’18 – Clarinet
Toby Nye – ’17 Upright Bass
Bodhi Small ’18 – Guitar
Nick Wagg ’18 – Trumpet
Alan Wen ’18 – Alto Sax
Jack Weston ’16 – Piano

US Jazz Combo

Julian Abbott ’18 – Tenor Sax
Owen Ardell ’19 – Baritone Sax
Chris Bergeron ’16 – Drums
Will Black ’17 – Tenor Sax
Eliza Cox ’18 – Alto Sax
Owen Gervais ’17 – Guitar
Julia Hansen ’18 – Upright Bass
Alan Wen ’18 – Alto Sax
Jack Weston ’16 – Piano

Next up for the Combo will be the Maine Music Educators Association District Jazz Festival on February 25.  There they hope to qualify for the State Festival in March.