On Saturday, March 24th, the BHS Jazz Ensemble earned a Superior Rating and won the Outstanding Jazz Band Award in class 3A over some very tough competition at the Tarleton Jazz Festival in Stephenville.

Under the direction of Richard Graham, Director of Bands at Brownwood High School, the group competed against 4 other 3A schools at the contest, which was also celebrating its 50th year as the areas major jazz festival.

“It’s very competitive and very tough,” said Graham. “Decatur has been our biggest competitor for several years. They don’t say who comes in second or third, and I have a feeling we’ve come close [in previous years], but this year we took the award and they are not the reigning champs anymore.”

The festival is judged by panels and separated by class (2A, 3A, etc.), and each band plays three pieces during the competition.

“The contest requires you to do a swing piece, then you have to do a ballad, and the last piece is fun,” said Graham, adding that rankings are given much like concert and marching band contests.

In addition to the band’s achievement, several individual BHS Jazz Ensemble musicians were honored at the festival.  Outstanding Musician Awards were presented to Brock Allen for Saxophone, Karissa Means for Trumpet, Eddie Mares for Guitar, and Jose Hernandez for Drums.

The High School Jazz Band and Symphonic Bands will be performing an afternoon matinee concert Sunday, April 1st, at 2:00 p.m. in the Dorothy McIntosh Auditorium at Brownwood High School.