NA Big Band and Chameleon Qualify for State Finals
While hosting the NJAJE Prelims at Newark Academy on March 8, Chameleon and NA Big Band both once again qualified for the State Finals at the end April.
The NA Big Band scored a silver rating, falling half a point shy a gold rating and are slotted third in their division. “With the soloists and the attention to detail I believe this band has reached another level and I'm excited for their journey to the State Finals,” said Newark Academy Jazz Director Julius Tolentino.
Chameleon not only ranked first in their division but had the highest score out of all 45 bands in New Jersey. Chameleon also won the best Sight-Reading Award and the Most Outstanding Rhythm Section.
Both bands received several soloist awards. The NA Big Band received three Honorable Mentions: Jacob Tolentino ’24, Shivan Kundra ’23 and Skywalker Li ’22. Chameleon also had two Honorable Mentions: Sammi Powell ’19 for vocals and Luca Moretti ’20 for piano. Additionally, they received two Outstanding Soloist Awards: Michael Wang ’20 on alto saxophone and Ben Chaddha ’21 on trumpet.
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