Students from the Harlingen High School and Harlingen High School South Jazz Bands shined bright at the TMEA Region 28 Jazz Band Auditions held at Harlingen High School on September 19.
High school students from Brownsville to Donna participated in the annual jazz competition where each student performed three prepared pieces and an improvisational solo.
HHS had 14 members place, five of which were 1st chair winners. Winners for HHS include: Cecilia Pena-4th chair Alto Sax, Aaron Gonzalez-1st chair Tenor Sax, Ethan Spindle-2nd chair Tenor Sax, Josue Ayala-1st chair Bari-Sax, Aaron Zapata-2nd chair Bari-Sax, Abram Alaniz-5th chair trumpet, Rogelio Trevino- 6th chair Trumpet, Krystal Moya-8th chair Trumpet, Joe Gonzalez-1st chair Trombone, Joseph Perez-2nd chair Bass Trombone, Nicholas Canas-1st chair Guitar, Israel Yanez-1st chair Drums, Jose Godinez-2nd chair Drums, Justin Torres-3rd chair Drums.
HHSS surpassed their previous record with 12 members placing in the top two jazz groups in Region 28. Winners for HHS include: Cole Alex-1st chair Alto Sax, Kevin Perez-3rd chair Baritone Sax (alternate), Ryan Mowers-1st chair Trumpet, Brandon O’Donahue-3rd chair Trumpet, Anthony Perez-4th chair Trumpet, Mario Alejandre-10th chair Trumpet, Cristian Palacios-2nd chair Trombone, Edgardo Velez-3rd chair Trombone, Luis Alicea-5th chair Trombone (Cano Freshman Academy), Xavier Esparza-6th chair Trombone, Mathew Gonzalez-3rd chair Bass Trombone, Erika Hernandez-1st chair Piano, Daniel Ruiz-4th chair Drums.
Of these 26 all-region jazz winners, 16 were selected as all-area candidates and will record their performance for an opportunity to make the Texas All-State Jazz Band. All-State results will be announced in November.
All region winners will also participate in an all-star concert in February to be held at the Harlingen Consolidated Independent School District Performing Arts Center.
Other schools earning spots include: Brownsville Lopez High School with four members, Los Fresnos High School with three members, Brownsville Pace with two members, Donna North High School with two members, San Benito High School with one member, Brownsville Rivera with one member, and Veterans-Memorial with one member.
Very proud of all the jazzers, especially the former Memorial Raiders!