A dazzling night for the RHMS jazz band
RHMS jazz musicians David Victery and Dana Daniels enjoying their night in the spotlight at Dazzle nightclub.
By Joe Anderies
On Tuesday, April 26th the Rocky Heights Middle School (RHMS) Jazz Ensemble was featured on the main stage at Denver’s premier jazz venue, Dazzle. Listed as one of the top ten jazz clubs in the United States, Dazzle features a wide range of jazz music from local artists and young emerging musicians to internationally known jazz musicians.
The 32-piece RHMS ensemble joined with 80 guests for a celebration of the musical progress they have made this year. Included in the show were two professional, mentor musicians, Jon Braddy on trombone and trumpeter Hugh Ragin. Throughout the night they took turns, along with director, Joe Anderies, engaging the student musicians in “call and response” solos and solo trading.
“From the looks on the faces in the band, it was hard to tell who was having the most fun in this endeavor – the mentors or the students!” said Anderies. Dazzle regularly features and encourages local artists and aspiring young jazz players, considering the development of the youth as paramount in keeping this great American art form alive and well.
