Garden City High School’s jazz ensemble and chamber orchestra performed at the New York State School Music Association Major Organization Evaluation Festival, both earning the highest possible score of a Gold with Distinction.
Jazz ensemble students prepared a level five program and performed “Secret Love” by Sammy Fain, “Rainbow Connection” by Kenneth Ascher and “Afro Blue” by Mongo Santamaria.
"The song, ‘Rainbow Connection,’ was composed by the current pianist for The Birdland Big Band in New York City, Kenneth Ascher. The Garden City High School jazz ensemble makes a yearly trip to see this group and Mr. Ascher perform, so performing this piece had a very special connection for the students,” said Jazz Ensemble Band Director Daniel DellaMonica. He continued to say, "It was the first time that the Garden City High School jazz ensemble has performed at this festival and to go and earn the highest score possible is something that the students and I will never forget. I am so proud of them!"
The Garden City High School chamber orchestra also prepared a level five program and performed “Drifen” by Shirl Jae Atwell, “Of Glorious Plumage” by Richard Meyer and “Perseus” by Soon Hee Newbold.
"Back in September, the Chamber Orchestra set for themselves the ambitious goal of going to NYSSMA Majors on a level 5 program. To not only achieve this goal but receive the highest rating possible was truly incredible. Their performance was stunning, and I am so proud of all of their hard work this year,” said Chamber Orchestra Director Andrew Albani.
Jazz Ensemble Co-Student Director Sophia Wang shared, “We had high hopes for ourselves going into NYSSMA Majors, but never did we expect to achieve Gold with Distinction. Thanks to Mr. DellaMonica and the band’s work throughout the year, we truly brought our best to the competition!”