Band finishes year with tribute concert

Music director Jon Hamm called the seniors to the stage to recognize each of them, and noted that two additional music awards would be presented during the school's annual awards ceremony.

The April 18 concert showcased the RE Symphonic Band, the school's three jazz combos – the RE Combo, the Blue Combo and the Green Combo – and vocalists Adam Chopp '22, Isa Pena '19 and Brianna Suarez '20. The RE Combo re-enacted its performance from the Berklee Jazz Festival in Boston, where it placed second overall.

Hamm summoned to the stage alumnus Daniel Calkins '15; he joined the RE Combo in a performance of "I'll Remember April." Hamm also acknowledged Alex Hamm '09, the author of RE's new alma mater who was in attendance. 

The year-end concert also provided an opportunity to celebrate some of the year's highlights, including:

Forty-five band students performed in the district solo and ensemble festival with the vast majority earning the highest rating of Superior. Five soloists, the Sax Quartet and the RE Combo qualified for state.

Connor Munroe ’21 performed in the Florida All-State Jazz Band in Tampa, for the fourth consecutive year, an RE first. He was then named to YoungArts Miami in February and the Jazz Band of America in March.

Thirteen Symphonic Band members performed in the Florida Bandmasters Association District 20 High School Honor Band.

Peña took first place in the Jazz Singers Showcase, Munroe earned an overall Outstanding Musicianship trophy, Gerrard was awarded the Judge’s Choice trophy at the Berklee Jazz Festival in Boston.

For the first time ever, RE entered three Jazz combos in the district festival, in grades 3, 4 and 5 respectively. The Green Combo, the Blue Combo and the RE Combo each earned the top rating of Superior.

The Symphonic Band earned its 21st overall Superior rating in Sight Reading at the Florida Bandmasters Association district festival.

2018-19 band members: