Top Honors were earned as Harlingen High School and Harlingen High School South Jazz Bands competed in the 49th Annual TAMUK Jazz Festival in Kingsville on April 1-2, 2016.
As a result of their outstanding performances, the HHS Honors Jazz Ensemble was named the overall Grand Champion of the Festival for the 8th consecutive year.
Three HHS Jazz Bands received a Superior rating for their performance, and all four received 1st place in their respective class. Six HHS students were selected to be in the All-Star Jazz band. Aaron Gonzalez-tenor sax-12 grade, Josue Ayala-bari-sax-11th grade, Abram Alaniz-trumpet-11th grade, Joe “Cool” Gonzalez-trombone-11th grade, Nick Canas-guitar-12th grade, and Israel Yanez-drums-12th grade were all named to this elite group.
Directors for HHS groups include Ronnie Rios-Honors Jazz, Maria Coronado-Jazz 2, Manny Hernandez-Jazz 3 and Rob Larios-Jazz 4.
One of the longest-running jazz festivals in the nation, the event hosted over 33 bands from Laredo, Del Rio, San Antonio, Victoria and throughout the Rio Grande Valley.
Three HHSS Jazz Bands earned 2nd place in their classifications. Individually, three students were selected for the All-Star band. Ryan Mowers-trumpet-12th grade, Cole Allex-alto sax-12th grade, and Mathew Gonzalez-bass trombone-11th grade were all selected to perform in the band.
Directors for HHSS groups include Shane Shinsato-Jazz 1, Joey Rodriguez-Jazz 2, and Jose Garcia-Jazz 3.
Judges for the festival included Kenneth Peach-Victoria ISD, Sparky Koerner-College of the Mainlands and Bennett Wood-Texas State University.
The next performance for HHS and HHSS Jazz Bands will be at the 16th Annual RGV Jazz Festival on April 16, 2016, at the HCISD Performing Arts Center.
