On Saturday, January 25, 2020, the student musicians from four Oakland bands travelled to Folsom High School for the 31st Annual Folsom Jazz Festival. The groups participating included the Edna Brewer Jazz Band and the Oakland East Side All Star Ensemble, both under the direction of Mr. Zachary Pitt-Smith; the Oakland Technical High School Jazz Band under the direction of Mr. Ted Allen and the student-directed Oakland Tech Monday Combo. Three out of the four Oakland bands received unanimous Superior ratings (or 1s) from their adjudicators’ panels.
The Folsom Jazz Festival is highly competitive venue. The Competition routinely attracts some of the top bands in the state such as Northgate H.S. (Walnut Creek,) Berkeley H.S., Downey H.S. and Rio Americano in Sacramento.
Videos:
1st Piece: Wiggle Walk by Benny Golson
2nd Piece: Desert Flower by David P. Jones
3rd Piece: 4 on 6 by Wes Montgomery