Calabasas High musicians hit the road

WHIRLWIND-The wind ensemble is one of several music groups from Calabasas High School invited to perform in renowned venues across the country. The ensemble recently returned from an appearance at Boston Symphony Hall in Boston, Mass. Music students at Calabasas High School have been on a roll of recognition for their talent. Three different groups from the school's acclaimed music program-the Wind Ensemble, the Jazz Band and the Vivace Choir--have been invited to play at renowned venues across the United States.

The Wind Ensemble participated in the Heritage Festival of Gold, based on their superior ratings at previous Heritage Festivals, said Siobhan Loftus, a spokesperson for the school's music boosters.

Students in the Wind Ensemble attended a festival in historic Boston, Mass., from March 30 to April 4.The group performed at Symphony Hall, home to the Boston Symphony, and some students were also selected to perform in the Festival Honor Band and Orchestra, which was conducted by celebrity guest conductors.

During the festival, said Loftus, the band had the opportunity to participate in music workshops and clinics.

On May 18, 19 and 20, the Calabasas High Jazz Band will perform at the Essentially Ellington Jazz Band Competition and Festival at Lincoln Center in New York City, N.Y.

The Jazz Band will compete for the opportunity to play at Avery Fisher Hall on the Lincoln Center campus with guest soloist Wynton Marsalis.

This year, more than 5,700 newly transcribed Ellington scores were delivered to over 900 high schools in the United States and Canada, and to American schools in Brazil, Japan and Switzerland. Calabasas was one of 15 out of 97 school bands across the nation to be chosen to compete in New York City and submit a recording of three Ellington works.

The CHS Vivace Choir is performing at Carnegie Hall in New York City this week. The Choir was invited to New York by Dr. Paul Smith, head of the choral department at California State University at Northridge Smith will make his conducting debut at the event.

Loftus said the students will participate as part of a mass choir with more than 100 singers. This mass choir started its New York tour yesterday. It will conclude with a performance with a professional orchestra this Saturday.

In addition to the performance, students will enjoy the sights and sounds of New York. They will visit Ellis Island and attend a Broadway show with backstage passes to talk with "Sweeney Todd" cast members.

Joshua Barroll, director of the CHS music program, has directed

many award-winning instrumental and vocal groups during his tenure at the school.

"With his leadership and the commitment of the students, the CHS music program has become recognized as one of the finest in California," Loftus said.