High School Jazz Band places 2nd at States

DiMarco recognized as Outstanding Musician
By Joseph Cyr
Staff Writer
    BAR HARBOR — The Houlton High School Jazz Band had a busy weekend as the group journeyed to Mount Desert Island High School for the Maine State Instrumental Jazz Festival.
    The Shiretown band finished second in its division in the state competition. Due to the number of jazz groups participating in the competition, the Maine Music Educators Association expanded the event to four divisions. Houlton was in Division IV with seven other jazz bands. 
    According to band director Joe Fagnant, band member Marina DiMarco was also feted for her individual musical abilities.
    “The band members were happy to have one of their own receive an outstanding musician award,” Fagnant said. “Out of the hundreds of musicians in each division, the judges choose only five students to receive special recognition. Marina earned one of these coveted awards for her trumpet and flugel horn playing.”
Contributed photo
SUPER MUSICIANS — Members of the Houlton High School Jazz Band display their award for finishing second in the state over the weekend at the Maine State Instrumental Jazz Festival in Bar Harbor. Marina DiMarco earned an outstanding musicianship award.
    As the award ceremony continued, the Houlton band was announced as a gold award winner, which is for having a score of an 88 or above. There were five bands in Division IV that earned gold awards and only two were able to move on for the night finals, Fagnant said.
    “MCI was announced as the third place winners and tension was in the air as George Stevens Academy was announced as one of the night finalists,” he said. “Relief soon came as we were also announced to move on to night competition.”
    The students had a short amount of time to go over the judges’ comments and scores, eat, and then re-energize for their night performance.
    “The competition in the view of many audience members and musicians was tight and ultimately went in favor of GSA, but our students were commended on their performance by numerous spectators and other jazz bands,” Fagnant said. “Many directors, parents, jazz performers came up to our ensemble to congratulate them on a fine and highly entertaining performance.  Houlton students were pleased with their performance and happy with their placement. Making it into night finals and knowing they were one of the eight best jazz bands in the state of Maine to perform that evening was special in itself.  The best remark from the students was that they had fun and truly enjoyed getting to perform again for the evening competition audience. “
    The musicians will perform Thursday, March 31, at 7 p.m. at the SAD 29 Night of Jazz concert, at Houlton High School.
    Band members include trumpets: Marina DiMarco, Tyler Delano, Alex Casillas, Josh Sullivan, Barret Dunn;  trombones:  Alexis Rush, Aaron Faulkingham, Isaac Morse, Amelia St. John, Phoenix Crockett.; saxes: Tanner Caron, Chelsi Murray, Robby Woods, Morgan Kibler, Courney Bragan, Elyjah Crockett; and rhythm section: Cody Woods, Zach Waite, Dustin Fitzpatrick, Zacharia Harvey, Isaac Brown, Craig Goodall. 
    Fagnant said a special thanks was in order for manager Ryan Tribou.