Mesquite students perform Jazz in the Park

By CHERYL JENSEN

The progress

The Arthur Hughes Middle School Jazz Band joined forces with a similar ensemble from Virgin Valley High School for 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, conducted by Conrad Allen, performed a series of four pieces with multiple soloists. “Along for the Ride” had a saxophone solo. “Moaning,” featuring AJ Villanueva on trumpet, was followed by “Chameleon” and “A Case of the Blues.”

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

The Virgin Valley High School Jazz Band, led by Issac Talahytewa, also performed the pieces they will perform at the District Music Competition in Las Vegas. They will perform “Abracadabra” and “Bolero” from a set list of pieces and then perform “Brother Mister.” Next came “Angel Eyes” with “After You’re Gone” as the finale.

Talahytewa, a graduate of Virgin Valley High School, returned as band director and led the group with enthusiasm and vigor.

The group received an “Excellent” rating at Thursday’s music festival in Las Vegas. The ensemble then played for a clinician who gave them feedback that would help them further develop their musicianship in the field of jazz.

It was perfect weather for the evening concert and the audience brought lawn chairs to enjoy the music.

Both directors thanked the school management for supporting the event. They also thanked the city of Mesquite Recreation for the stage and venue on the playing fields.