FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
LAGUNA BEACH UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
CONTACT: ANAKAREN URENO
DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS AND ENGAGEMENT
949-497-7700 EXT. 5232

May 26, 2023

Laguna Beach High School Jazz Band brings home high scores from CoSA Coronado JazzFest

LAGUNA BEACH, Calif. – The Laguna Beach High School Jazz Band earned a “Superior” rating at the CoSA Coronado

JazzFest held on May 9 at Coronado High School. The JazzFest, featuring over 20 middle and high school ensembles, returned for the first time this year after a three-year hiatus. Judges, who taught more than they judged, provided professional feedback to the students, helping them grow as musicians. 

The Laguna Beach High School Jazz Band, led by Grammy-nominated music instructor Steve Wade, played a diverse playlist to show off their versatility and to pay homage to the many different styles of jazz. Special commendation was awarded to Eli Leeds and Zarah Bolick for their solos on tenor sax and vocals, respectively. 

“I am so very proud of the amazing LBHS musicians. Their dedication to their art and community is what makes them great and loved,” said LBUSD Instrumental Music Teacher Steve Wade. “We received the highest rating for a performance on our first away-from-home gig in several years. I can’t wait to see what we can accomplish next,” he concluded.

The LBHS Jazz band and 11 other schools participated in the "Salt and Pepper Clinics," which paired top professional musicians alongside students who played the same instrument. They provided skill tips and mentoring garnered from years of practice and performance. 

The festival culminated with a performance by the San Diego State University Jazz Band, led by Karl Soukup, who said, "...I am just so happy it is back after the pandemic, and to see all the smiling jazz students out there, just absorbing the energy of the concert...the talented and creative players who practiced and worked so hard all semester, who take their music seriously and who represent the quality of musical education and the arts. So it was very heartening to see and experience."

Laguna Beach High School's award-winning performing arts programs offer comprehensive training and performance opportunities in music, dance, and theatre led by accomplished faculty and staff members. The performing arts programs provide a safe, supportive community through which students flourish as artists and individuals. You can learn more about the LBHS performing arts program HERE. 

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