Find out why Central Middle School jazz band named best in Texas – Port Arthur News

NEDERLAND – The Central Middle School Jazz Band is the best jazz group in Texas, according to the Texas Music Educators Association.

All state college jazz groups submitted live performance recordings. A panel of five judges listened to and ranked the groups.

The Central Middle School Jazz Band entered using recordings of live performances throughout the previous school year and was voted first among all competing colleges in Texas.

The best jazz group receives the prestigious honor of performing at the Texas Music Educators Association’s annual convention in February.

This performance traditionally takes place at the Lila Cockrell Theater inside the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s TMEA convention, along with all performances, will be held virtually.

The Central Middle School Jazz Band is starting to prepare for this virtual performance, and performance details will be released in the coming months.

Eric Rose, director of the Central Middle School Marching Band, said it was a huge honor for the district and band’s program.

“This is a testament to all the hard work these talented students put in day in and day out. Rose said. “I couldn’t be happier for them and all they have accomplished.”

The Central Middle School Jazz Band is under the direction of Jonathan Blake, who said he was honored to lead an amazing and motivated group of students.

“I can’t wait to see what the rest of this year has in store for the CMS Jazz Band,” said Blake. “I want to thank the students for their hard work, the administrators and parents for their support, and Mr. Rose for his continued help and guidance.”