Crossroads News
Crossroads Musicians Shine at Monterey Jazz Festival
Student group takes third place in prestigious spring competition.
Success at the Monterey Next Generation Jazz Festival has become a rite of spring for Crossroads musicians, and this year was no different.
With a string of stellar performances, a group of six Upper School students in the Jazz “A” Band took third place in its high school division at the largest jazz competition on the West Coast. The group included Crossroads seniors Anna Abondolo and Stone La Velle—both of whom were named outstanding soloists—and sophomores Stefan Fayman, Will Kissinger, Leo Major and Lucas Wurman.
Crossroads was one of six high school jazz combos from the United States and Canada to be invited to the 48th edition of the festival based on the strength of audio submissions. The finalists then competed for the top three spots March 9-11 in Monterey.
“Being asked to compete in the finals is a big honor, and it gives our students a chance to hear the top musicians and ensembles from other states and Canada,” says Upper School Music Chair Evan Avery. “They have a fantastic time and represent Crossroads very well.”
Crossroads has reached the finals six times in the past nine years, and the School has earned top-three placement in four of those years.
This year’s group earned third place after performing three tunes: “Eye of the Hurricane” by Herbie Hancock; “Isfahan” by Billy Strayhorn and Duke Ellington; and “Karma” by Aaron Parks.
