Jazz Collaboration Concert

For the first time ever, Carroll ISD Jazz Band teams up with students from area schools, including the University of North Texas for a one of a kind concert. This invitational event is non-competitive and allows high school jazz students to interact with and learn from the best musicians in the area. Grammy-nominated composer Steve Wiest of the famous UNT One O’Clock Jazz Band was recently commissioned to create a new piece of music for this event.

Carroll Jazz Band students and Plano East Jazz Ensemble students have been practicing the music since December. The schools will meet for a special clinic- hosted by Wiest Saturday afternoon  Jan. 28 at White’s Chapel United Methodist Church. At the end of the clinic, both schools will break for dinner and then return for a special concert. Plano East will play first at 7:00 p.m. followed by the Carroll ISD Jazz Band. After both high schools perform, there will be a final concert by the One O’Clock. Tickets for the concert are $5 suggested donation for students and $10 suggested donation for adults.

“I think it’s going to be a really cool thing for the kids!” said Carroll Jazz Director David Lown. Lown worked with Wiest and the Apex Arts League to create this unique jazz performance opportunity, similar to the Essentially Ellington competition held every spring in New York City.  In 2010, the  Carroll Jazz Band was invited to participate in the Essentially Ellington contest, click here to view a video produced by the district’s Communications and Marketing Department.