BNI jazz band took part in South Suburban College’s Jazz festival this past week.

This festival/ competition is for high schools in the chicagoland area. Bands performing have a maximum of 40 minutes to perform. There are two judges; Douglas Brett and Glenn Williams who will score and critique the bands. Ratings such as first and second place etc, depend on the scoring.

The Jazz band played “Bye Bye black bird,” “What a wonderful World,” “smooth,” and “Suit and Tie.” They were one of ten schools who performed. “They played very well as an ensemble,” said Mr.Carioto.

Three of our soloist were awarded. Emily Rojas, who plays Trombone and Guitar; Daisy Abuzead, who plays Trumpet; and lastly Jazmin Encarnacion, who plays Bari-Sax. They also reward a scholarship to the prestigious, Blue Lake summer music camp to four chosen people. Our own Emily Rojas was one of the chosen one’s for this scholarship.

    The band has a few upcoming events; the St. Patricks day parade and a three day tour in Chicago. The band will march in the St.Patrick’s Day Parade on March 14. Their three day tour in Chicago will be Friday, March 27. On this tour they will have an opportunity to perform. They will watch the Beauty and the Beast, and the Chicago symphony orchestra.

“I’ve taught many bands and this is by far the best jazz band I have conducted,” said Mr.Carioto.

They practice as much as they can. “All we lack is time,we only get one hour fit into our schedule. Other schools have a possibility of 5 hours,”Mr. Carioto says,”

Despite the lack of time they have been granted a great oppurtunity;word came in that the band was accepted to march in the Thanksgiving parade and they are being considered for the grand Marshall band.Which is the band that leads first. ” I’m proud of everyone’s dedication and the fact that everyone takes what we do very seriously,” said Mr. Carioto.

Next Thursday 13 band members are being inducted into the Tri-m music society for honors night.