Work Is Play to NB''s Jazz Ensemble
It is no accident that the North Babylon High School Jazz Ensemble is so accomplished. While most students leave the high school on Friday afternoons to start their weekends, this select group of 21 musicians stays behind to rehearse and work to make their performance perfect. And they are impressive wherever they perform.
Under the co-direction of Frank Rizzo and Jay Orig, they recently performed at the annual SCMEA JAZZ FESTIVAL for adjudication at Sayville High School onJanuary 23rd. They first watched a jazz improvisation workshop with some amazing professional jazz musicians (one being Mr. Rizzo's old trombone teacher, Micheal C. Richardson). After that, they attended a concert with the All-County Vocal Jazz Ensemble and the Instrumental Jazz Ensemble (which North Babylon's own Jared Ginsberg was selected for as an alternate!). Then the group performed in front of a nationally renowned judge and received high praises and constructive comments. For these talented musicians, work is definitely play.
