Brandon Reyes Receive Distinguished Soloist Award
The Freeport Intermediate Jazz Band was fortunate to participate in the 2017 SHSU Bill Watrous Jazz Festival this past Saturday. The Sam Houston State Jazz Festival is known as the state's longest running jazz festival, with this year being its 59th year. During the awards ceremony, Brandon Reyes was one of five students who received the distinguished Outstanding Soloist Award for his solo on the funk tune, Shakey Ground. The Outstanding Soloist Award is only given to students who exhibit a mastery on their instrument, as well as a fluid understanding of the language jazz improvisation. This award is rarely given to junior high level students, however, the judges felt that Brandon performed with a mature and well-developed sound during his solo. Out of the five students awarded with the Outstanding Soloist Award, Brandon was the only junior high student. In addition, the Freeport Intermediate Jazz Band received 1st Place in the Middle School Division of the Bill Watrous Jazz Festival.
Congratulations to Director, Randy Laran, the Freeport Intermediate Jazz Band and of course Brandon Reyes for your accomplishments.
