Boardman band presents spring jazz concert

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Neighbors | Submitted.The Boardman High School spring jazz concert will be May 31 at 7 p.m.

The Boardman High School spring jazz concert will be May 31 at 7 p.m. in the Boardman High School cafeteria. Admission at the door is $3 for adults and $2 for students. Senior citizens are admitted free of charge. Pizza, popcorn, soft drinks and bottled water will be sold.

This will be the culmination of the year for the jazz program and will feature the BHS jazz ensembles I, II and III, all under the direction of Thomas M. Ruggieri. The amazing talents of the outgoing seniors will be highlighted.

Jazz ensemble III selections will include “Blues March,” “Tiger of San Pedro” and “Cantina Band” arranged by junior trumpet player Jon Lizotte. Jazz ensemble II will perform “Maria” from West Side Story, “Filthy McNasty” and Stevie Ray Vaughan’s “Pride and Joy” with Liam Jones on vocals.

Jazz ensemble I is the flagship of the BHS jazz program. They will begin and end the program with selections to include: “Beulah Witch” by the Buddy Rich Big Band, “Soul With a Capital S” by Tower of Power, Sonny Rollins’ “Tenor Madness,” Dave Brubeck’s “Blue Rondo ala Turk,” “There’s The Rub” by Gordon Goodwin and “I Got News For You” as done by Woody Herman.

“The owner of Swing 46 told me he wanted us to come and play there every couple of months,” said Ruggieri of Jazz ensemble I’s recent performance at the New York City jazz/supper club.

The group was invited back after last year’s performance trip to the city. Jazz I and jazz II were also invited back to play at Trump Tower. Ruggieri is proud to provide the students with opportunities that most high school jazz musicians do not have.

“Not many students can say that they have performed in two different New York City jazz clubs, Trump Tower, The Blue Wisp jazz club in Cincinnati, the OMEA state music convention, a Cleveland Indians game and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame,” said Ruggieri.

They have also accompanied guest artists Jack Schantz and Bernie Dresel and performed with Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Band. Watch and listen for more information about the summer jazz concert series which begins shortly after this school year ends. Visit www.boardmanband.org to get the latest information.