Amherst Jazz Festival showcases student groups

Published on May 09, 2008

The Amherst schools' jazz program takes the spotlight Tuesday night, May 13, at the first annual Amherst Jazz Festival, The event, from 7 to 10 p.m. at Amherst Regional High School, is the brainchild of Brian Messier, Amherst Regional Middle and High School director of bands, who leads and instructs all middle and high school jazz ensembles.

"The students who participate in the middle and high school jazz program have been doing outstanding work and they have demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to their ensemble participation," Messier said in a prepared statement. "This is a culmination of their work and a unique opportunity for them to demonstrate their skills and their interest in jazz."

The fest will feature performances by five ensembles, comprising 42 students in grades 7-12, and include works by Davis, Coltrane, Parker, Mingus, Gershwin, Ellington, Monk, Hancock, Gillespie and more.

Tickets are $3, and audience members are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance from musicians as there will be a limited number of tickets available at the door the evening of the concert. Proceeds from the Festival will be dedicated to the Performing Arts Department.For more information: contact Brian Messier at MessierB@arps.org.