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Fulton students hit the right notes at New Hartford Jazz Competition

Student musicians from Fulton’s G. Ray Bodley High School earned high praise at the New Hartford Jazz Competition, earning a gold rating and a spot on the All Star Jazz Ensemble for several of their own.

On Friday, March 1, students from GRB’s jazz band joined others from across Central New York by travelling to New Hartford to participate in their annual jazz competition. No strangers to this event, GRB musicians competed against other AA schools including Oswego, La Salle and Liverpool, ultimately earning a gold rating and the honor of “Best Rhythm Section.” Led by band director Luigi Giacomucci, the band performed three challenging pieces including “Feeling Good,” “Children of Sanchez” and “Whiplash.”

“The students really played their hearts out,” said Giacomucci. “I pushed them with hard charts – Whiplash by Chuck Mangione in particular – and they killed it.”

Seniors Jake King and Braeden Frost and junior Maddie Weldin also earned their place in the All-Star Jazz Ensemble in honor of their impressive abilities.