Jazz Ensemble featured in tribute to Chuck Mangione

On Friday, June 7, the Mohonasen High School Jazz Ensemble performed in Saratoga Springs at the Chuck Mangione Tribute Concert. Mangione, the internationally renowned artist, was in attendance along with his brother, jazz pianist Gap Mangione and other members of his family.

Mohonasen was one of three area high school jazz ensembles and one drum-and-bugle corps who performed, each featuring one Mangione tune. The sold-out concert was held at Lake Avenue Elementary School. The evening included a meet-and-greet as well as a photo opportunity with Chuck Mangione.

Under the direction of Mr. Daniel Philpott-Jones, the Mohon ensemble performed Night and Day (Cole Porter, arr. Mark Taylor), A Quiet Heart (Pete McGuinness), and Bellavia (Chuck Mangione, arr. Victor Lopez). Soloists from the Mohonasen ensemble included: Kaitlyn Reedy, trumpet/flugelhorn; Juliet Fiozzo, trombone; Zy Epperson, alto saxophone; and Anthony Napoli, drums.

Other bands performing at the tribute concert were Schuylerville High School and Saratoga Springs High School.

Jones said the evening ended with a rousing performance of several numbers by the Avant Garde Alumni Drum and Bugle Corps, in which several Mohonasen band alumni are members.

“The alumni in attendance were able to meet the current Mohonasen students, bringing their experience full circle,” said Jones. “Thank you to the band boosters and school community for supporting this group. The band performed extremely well and was greeted with terrific audience response after each of their numbers.”

Congratulations to all the students and Mr. Jones for this honor!