This incredible group of volunteers learned all new music in four weeks and demonstrated that the Area Jazz Festival was no fluke. For the first time in five years, the band earned the highest possible scores in a state competition at an Arizona festival.

Superior with Distinction

Fortunately, a new band director was found and started in January. I stayed on to teach the jazz band, which started in November, to help with the change of a new director in the middle of the year. These students came to band on Tuesday and Thursday mornings at 6:30 a.m. as volunteers. Regardless of ability, no student was turned away. This fine group of students rapidly bonded and accomplished the unthinkable in a short period of time at the festival.

Superior with Distinction

For health reasons, Sandra Day O'Connor High School's sole band director was forced to leave in the middle of October. Since there were no available replacements with the credentials to manage a high school band program, Mr. Duarte stepped in and ran the band program while still serving as the district Fine Arts Coordinator. 

Superior Rating