Members of the LAMS Jazz 1 perform during a concert Wednesday evening at Duane Smith Auditorium. Photo Courtesy LAPS

LAPS NEWS

Los Alamos Middle School Jazz bands hit the high notes, low notes and all the notes in between as they performed very well at the recent Albuquerque/UNM Jazz Fest. Jazz 1 and Jazz 3 received a Superior, rating of 1, while Jazz 2 received an Excellent, rating of 2.

The Los Alamos Jazz Project Big Band, comprised of both LAMS and Los Alamos High School students, also received a Superior, rating of 1.

“I am extremely proud of all the students who were part of this competition,” said Ryan Finn, band director at LAMS. “Their love of music and playing is reflected in their performances. It makes my job so much fun!”

LAMS students Dominic Dowdy, Naveen Velappan, William Berninger and Ravijit Khalsa were also named the Outstanding Middle School Trombone Section. Evan Green was recognized as the Outstanding Middle School guitar; Yunseo Kim, Outstanding Middle School Piano; and Katie Werner, Outstanding Middle School Drummer. Dominic Dowdy was named Outstanding Middle School Soloist.

In addition, 13 students were named Outstanding Improv Award winners, including LAMS students Mikalh Adams, Evs Alexander, Dominic Dowdy, Antoni Galassi, Violet Henderson, Yunseo Kim, Grace Patterson, Maya Price, Hana Raby, and Charles Wallace. Representing LAHS, Jackson Bell, Katie Laintz and Alexander Waters.

LAMS is hosting the New Mexico Middle School Honor Jazz Band today and tomorrow. There are 44 students from around the state in the two honor bands, including 12 students from Los Alamos. The concert will be held at 3:00 pm on Saturday at the Crossroads Bible Church.