Brazos High School Jazz Band Takes 1st Place at Victoria, Texas Jazz Festival

On March 4, 2023, the Brazos High School Jazz Band made history by winning 1st place at the Victoria, Texas Jazz Festival. The competition was held at the Victoria I.S.D. Fine Arts Department located at 1002 Sam Houston Drive in Victoria, Texas. The festival showcased the talents of high school jazz bands from across the region, and the Brazos High School Jazz Band emerged victorious.

The Brazos High School Jazz Band is comprised of dedicated and talented students who have been working tirelessly to perfect their craft. Under the direction of Mr. Allynn Garcia, the band has been practicing for months in preparation for this competition. Their hard work paid off when they were awarded 1st place, a well-deserved recognition of their skills and dedication.

The Victoria, Texas Jazz Festival featured a variety of performances by high school jazz bands, but the headliner of the festival was Lou Marini, also known as “Blue Lou” from “The Blues Brothers”. Marini is a renowned saxophonist who has played with some of the biggest names in the music industry, including Frank Zappa, James Taylor, and Aretha Franklin. He is perhaps best known for his work with the Blues Brothers, a popular blues and soul band formed in the late 1970s.

Marini not only performed at the festival but also conducted a clinic for the students. During the clinic, Marini shared his insights and knowledge of the music industry with the young musicians, offering them advice on how to improve their skills and achieve success in their careers. For the students, it was an incredible opportunity to learn from a true master of the craft.

The Victoria, Texas Jazz Festival is an important event for high school jazz bands in the region. It provides an opportunity for students to showcase their talents and to learn from professionals like Lou Marini. For the Brazos High School Jazz Band, winning 1st place at the festival was a moment of pride and accomplishment that they will never forget. It is a testament to their hard work and dedication, and a clear indication of the bright future that lies ahead for these talented young musicians.