This past month, members of the PHS Jazz Ensemble and Studio Band performed at preliminary festivals to qualify for the 2022 state finals, organized by the New Jersey Jazz Association for Jazz Education. Students who participated were given the opportunity to showcase their talent, represent their school, and even win prestigious awards, tributes, or scholarships. 

Prelims for the Jazz Ensemble took place on March 9 at Southern Regional High School, while Studio Band prelims took place on March 10 at Steinert High School. 

“We played the three songs that we’ve been practicing weekly,” said Adele Slaymaker ‘25, who plays the clarinet in the Jazz Ensemble.

The Jazz Ensemble won gold for sight-reading (performing a piece without previous preparation), which counted for 15 percent of the total score for the preliminary round. 

“Studio Band got gold and our rhythm section won outstanding section! We [also] won best sight reading,” said Sara Carson ‘23, a guitarist in Studio Band.

All participating musicians maintained a focused mindset as well as an optimistic attitude at prelims. Both Jazz Ensemble and Studio Band did exceptionally well, placing 9th and 3rd place, respectively. The two bands will be making it to state finals on April 30th. This year, sight-reading and improvisation were crucial components on the adjudication sheet. 

“There is a lot of pressure because PHS is hosting [Division II] finals, as well as the reputation that the Princeton bands have,” said Matthew Chen ’25, a trumpet player for Jazz Ensemble. 

In 2019, PHS Jazz Ensemble and Studio Band placed third and second in Division II finals, and Studio Band won the Richard A. Graham Sight Reading Award. Furthermore, Studio Band trombonists won a section award. This year, band members are excited to perform competitively again and exhibit PHS pride. 

Although pandemic is a challenge, Finals in future look promising as mask mandates begin to lift. 

“COVID-19 has made performances more perfunctory than exciting, but prelims, where we’re competing, will help bring back some energy,” said Nina Esteghamat ’23, who plays the flute.

Many freshmen were excited to attend prelims for the first time. The chance to advance to State Finals is a big achievement in their musical journey. 

“I haven’t done a competition before, since I’m a freshman and the last performance we did outside of this year was when I was in seventh grade,” said Slaymaker.

Rehearsal schedules for both Studio Band and Jazz Ensemble were planned to efficiently prepare for prelims. Members will continue to attend three-hour rehearsals every Wednesday night to address larger group issues, while also working in instrument-based sections to review smaller details in the music.

“Going to finals at Princeton High School, which is our home turf, will be really nice. Having both bands play together at the same place where we can watch each other, I feel like is going to be really cool!” said Sophia Kim ’22, an oboe player in Studio Band.