Prep Jazz Ensemble granted gold at festival

There were three selections, including Latin tune “Ocean View,” lyrical ballad “Autumn Mist,” and bebop blues swing chart “Tenor Madness” by tenor saxophonist Sonny Rollins. Students Leo Petrov and Tommy Zhou were featured soloists on the latter, while Zhou was also featured on flugelhorn in “Autumn Mist.” 

Paul McGarr, Prep arts coordinator, music teacher, and band director, appreciated the compliments the ensemble received from the adjudicators, including Terry Promane, associate professor in jazz studies at the University of Toronto Faculty of Music.  

“Numerous times he said, ‘You guys are really advanced and play at a very high-detailed level for a grade-seven group,’” McGarr recalls. “He only had a couple of things for them to work on improving going forward.”  

MusicFest is open to college, university, high school, elementary, and community jazz bands. McGarr says the UCC contingent was the only middle-school group performing that day. He sees the event as primarily an educational experience, including having the students watch older groups in action.  

“That’s a big way to learn, too,” he says. “They notice things, whether they’re being critical or positive with their comments. They see others do things a little differently, and that helps them grow as musicians.”

The event is not about competing against other groups, but rather about qualifying for the nationwide MusicFest event to take place in Niagara Falls next month. The UCC ensemble was granted a gold award, earning them qualification. 

It has not yet been decided whether the Prep ensemble will actually participate in the nationals, due to potential scheduling conflicts. It will, however, travel to the Rhythms Montreal festival in early May, which McGarr calls “a great experience.” 

Back at school, they will then look forward to performing at the Spring Concert and Generations Day. After all the festivals preparation, McGarr says, “It’s just fun after that. The students are confident and excelling; they’re ready.”