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Wednesday, January 23, 2013

3 SCHOOL BANDS PRESENT FREE JAZZ CONCERT THIS SATURDAY

FREE JAZZ CONCERT
WHEN: Saturday, January 26, 6:30 PM
WHERE:
Woodbridge Middle School Auditorium, 525 Barron Avenue, Woodbridge
ADMISSION: Free

The next generation of Central Jersey jazz stars will showcase their newly-honed skills at a free concert in Woodbridge.

JazzHouseKids LogoThroughout January, three Woodbridge Township high school bands have received master-class instruction in advanced jazz techniques by visiting professional musicians from the Jazz House Kids program of Montclair, New Jersey, along with planning support from the office of Woodbridge Township Mayor John E. McCormac.

In addition to hometown musicians from Colonia High School, John F. Kennedy High School and Woodbridge High School, the concert will feature performances by national jazz pros Ted Chubb, Mike Lee and Lee Hogans.

TedChubbTrumpeter Ted Chubb is an esteemed music educator with a Master of Music degree from Rutgers University; from 2006-2011, he toured nationally with the Tony award-winning Broadway show Jersey Boys.

 

 

MikeLeeTenor saxophonist Mike Lee has performed with numerous jazz notables including Rosemary Clooney, Marcus Belgrave, Bobby Watson, Geri Allen, Joe Lovano, Marlon Jordan, Johnny Coles and as a member of Woody Herman’s Thundering Herd.

LeeHogansLee Hogans’ trumpet virtuosity spans several jazz and pop idioms; Lee is currently touring with funk legend Maceo Parker and has been heard in concert and on disc with Jay-Z, Prince, Sean “Diddy” Combs, Jadakiss, Fantasia, Missy Elliot and more.

The student musicians also received a “rhythm section workout” with tuition from drummers Jerome Jennings, Chris Beck, guitarist Dave Stryker and bassist Mike Karn.

Jazz House Kids is a community-based arts organization with a mission to provide year-round musical, educational and cultural programs to students in grades K-12, teachers, adults and families from diverse backgrounds.

“The idea was to offer a full-fledged jazz residency to Woodbridge students in their school,” says Ryan Maloney, Education Director for Jazz House Kids. “We knew there was a lot of interest in jazz in the schools, and the three band directors from Colonia, JFK and Woodbridge have done a terrific job getting their students ready.”

The classes were made possible by a grant from Kensington Apartments, a Woodbridge Township residential community.

“We are thrilled to have our Township students take part in a program that brings their talent to the next level,” says Mayor McCormac. “It’s a great collaboration, and everyone can see the results at this Saturday’s free concert at Woodbridge Middle School.”