Highlights of the Big Band Competition Winner’s Performance

The Kim Richmond Concert Jazz Orchestra played the dynamic pieces of the winners of the Big Band Competition on January 6, 2016 at the Musicians Union. Even though the winners were ‘students,’ they wrote clear, concise, creative and inventive arrangements and were very professional.

The following winners of the Peter Rugulo Big Band Arranging Competition attended the play down: Mike Conrad, Chris Foe, Mina Choi, David Shorr and Rafael Piccolotto de Lima.

In first place, Mike Conrad, flew in from Colorado. He arranged and conducted Duke Ellington’s, “In a Sentimental Mood.” Second place, Chris Foe, composed and arranged and conducted, “Western Shore.” Third place winner, Mina Choi, arranged and conducted, “Bolivia,” by Cedar Walton. Honorable Mention winner, David Shorr, arranged and conducted a Cole Porter song, “You’d be so nice to come home to,” and Rafael Piccolotto de Lima composed and arranged, “Abertura SubUrbana,” which was nominated for a Latin grammy in 2013.

The Kim Richmond Concert Jazz Orchestra in attendance:
Sax: Jason Fabus, Bob Crosby, Ian Roller, Michael LaBrun, Bob Carr
Trpt: Bob O’Donnell, Jeff Jarvis, Steve Huffsteter, Bobby Burns, Michael Bautista
Trb: Scott Whitfield, Joey Sellers, Jacque Voyemant, Craig Gosnell
Rhythm: Will Brahm, Rich Eames, Blake Estrada and Ralph Razze

Thanks to the fabulous talented arrangers/composers, to Kim Richmond and his Concert Jazz Orchestra, thanks to Edye Rugulo, thanks to Elliot Deutsch and our judges: Bill Holman, Nan Schwartz, Brad Dechter and Chris Guardino, Gordon Goodwin, Kim Richmond, and thanks to musicians local 47.

~Marlene Hajdu

Here are a few more photos from our event: