Excellent and superior not only describe the John Burroughs High School Band, but are also two of the highest honors musicians can earn in competitions. This spring the JBHS musicians have been competing as soloists, in small ensembles, and all three band groups, and they have consistently received the highest honors and much acclaim.
On April 1 there was no joke being played when the JBHS Wind Ensemble received the highest rating of the day, Unanimous Superior, at the SCSBOA Festival of Bands hosted at Excelsior Auditorium in Norwalk. The JBHS Symphonic and Concert bands both received Excellent ratings in performance and Superior in Sight Reading. “The kids have been working really hard all year and I was glad to see them recognized,” said Tana Barnett, Music Director.
On April 2 the JBHS Jazz Ensemble had an impressive showing at the Fullerton Jazz Festival earning an overall Excellent rating and finishing sixth in their division. In addition, three musicians were singled out for Outstanding Soloist awards.
The JBHS Instrumental Music Association offers a comprehensive music experience for high school musicians, with the bands regularly taking top honors. Earlier in the year the JBHS musicians competed in a Solo and Ensemble Festival where two soloists earned Superior ratings and 23 ensembles were named Superior. Both soloists and the Superior ensembles qualified for the state level competition.
In addition, clarinet player and graduating senior Emily Connor was named to the All-State Band and performed at the California Band Director’s Association annual conference in Fresno.
