Kutztown Area School District hosted its 2023 Jazz Festival at the Kutztown Area Middle School Commons on Saturday, March 18.
“The Jazz Festival was a huge success!” said Jenny Rakus, Jazz Festival Co-Chair, in a release. “The Kutztown Area KES/GES Elementary School Jazz Band kicked off the festival with great spirit. These aspiring musicians will soon be participating in the adjudicated portion of future jazz festivals as part of the middle and high school area jazz bands.”
This year’s Jazz Festival featured six middle school and six high school bands.
“Although each band is judged with ratings of either Superior, Outstanding, Excellent, or Good, all participating bands cheered each other’s performances with great sportsmanship,” said Rakus. “Congratulations to all schools! Job well done!”
The performing middle schools included Boyertown East, Spring-Ford, Boyertown West, Muhlenberg, Fleetwood, and Kutztown. The performing high schools included Twin Valley, Boyertown Jazz Ensemble, Pocono Mountain, Boyertown Bid Band, and Kutztown.
“It was a packed house for most of the day. Raffle prizes galore, candy grams to give a shout out to the excellent talent with sweetness, and an abundant amount of delicious food and drinks were enjoyed by participants and spectators alike,” said Rakus. “The best part of the day without question was the jazz music. All the musicians should be extremely proud of their performances. Everyone could feel their excitement and enthusiasm exuded through their music.”
Rakus thanked adjudicators, Patrick Dorian, Carl Zeplin and Gunnar Mossblad.
“And (thanks) to all the amazing volunteers including parents, KASD staff, students, DK Photography for the great photos, and the local businesses for supporting Kutztown Area School Music Association to make this such a fantastic Jazz Festival.”
Best wishes were also offered to the senior members of the Kutztown Area High School Jazz Band: Justin Ashman, Jake Justeson, Blake Nolte, Will Randall and Gavin Yoffee.
“We hope music continues to be a part of your future.”
For more information about Kutztown Area School Music Association, visit sites.google.com/kasd.org/kasma/homeabout.
Source: Berkshire mont
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