Mesquite students play Jazz in the Park

By CHERYL JENSEN

The Progress

The Arthur Hughes Middle School jazz band, joined with a similar ensemble from Virgin Valley High School in a “Jazz in the Park” program on Tuesday, April 16. It was an evening of entertaining music presented by the two bands.

The Hughes ensemble, directed by Conrad Allen, played a set of four pieces featuring several soloists. “Along for the Ride” had a saxophone solo. “Moaning” with AJ Villanueva on trumpet was followed by “Chameleon” and “A Case of the Blues.”

Soloists for the concert were Kinzley Webb, alto sax; Brielle Walsh and Eliel Peinado, tenor sax; Luis Tapia, baritone sax; Eric Kim and Thomas Fink on trombone; Lorenzo Gonzalez, trumpet and Anali Amaya on guitar. They will be presenting these at the Clark County Music Festival in Las Vegas.

The Virgin Valley High School Jazz Band under the direction of Issac Talahytewa also played the selections they will be performing at the District Music Competition in Las Vegas. They will perform “Abracadabra”, and “Bolero” from a set list of pieces and then will play “Brother Mister.” “Angel Eyes,” was next with “After You’re Gone” as the finale.

Talahytewa, a graduate of Virgin Valley High School, has returned as the band director and was enthusiastic and animated in his conducting of the group.

At the music festival on Thursday in Las Vegas the group received an Excellent rating. Then the ensemble played for a clinician who gave them feedback which will help them grow in their musicality in the realm of jazz.

It was perfect weather for the evening’s concert with the audience bringing lawn chairs to enjoy the music.

Both directors expressed gratitude to the school administration for their support of the event. They also gave appreciation to the city of Mesquite Recreation for the stage and venue on the fields.