Staples High School Jazz Ensemble Wins 2nd Place

The Staples High School Jazz Ensemble won second place at the 17th annual Norwalk High School Jazz Festival--the second trophy during the past month for the band. In February, Staples was chosen as one of the top three bands, out of 15 competing schools, at the Jazz Festival at Brian McMahon High School in Norwalk. On Saturday, March 27, the Staples Jazz Ensemble will be participating at the annual Essentially Ellington Jazz Festival at Greenwich High School. The event is sponsored by Wynton Marsallis and Jazz at Lincoln Center. The Staples Jazz Ensemble includes Tom Burhill, Mitch Feinberg, Matt Takiff, Willys DeVoll, Jason Lustbader, Emily Messina, Kevin Copeland, Ole Vaagen, Ellen Kempner, Sam Wilkes, Joe Genetti, Evan Lester, Alex Okon, Cory Bacon, Will Kniffen, Alan Southworth, Jordan Ratner, Cameron Bruce, John Solder, Will Hagen, Cole Manley, and David Haswell. Director is Nick Mariconda.