MHS Band Headed to Japan

MHS+Band+Headed+to+Japan

Rohan Shah

Allen Vizzutti, a world-renowned trumpeter, Grammy-winning producer, and an original member of the “Tonight Show” band, has a packed schedule. Starting in February 2018, Mr. Vizzutti toured Nevada, and from March 12th to the 16th, he played in Jacksonville, Florida. Beginning on March 21st, Mr. Vizzutti will be traveling to Middleton, Wisconsin to perform and tour Japan with the MHS 7 O’clock Jazz Band and Honors Wind Ensemble.

The 7 O’clock Jazz Band, is an elite band of MHS students, consisting of a high amount of talent and dedication to music. The Wind Ensemble is also a selective MHS band which includes students who play the flute, clarinet, oboe, and saxophone. All the students were selected after a rigorous audition and are among the top performers in the high school.  Sophia Patton (clarinet) says, “It took a lot of preparation, I probably practiced for about four months before the audition. It was a taxing audition, it was a lot of work, and it was a lot of effort, but I think overall our band is the best of the best and it is a really good group to play with.” Despite the rigor of the music program, the students are healthily rewarded with an international trip to the Land of the Rising Sun: Japan.

From March 23rd to March 30th, 40 students will be making the trip to Tokyo and Kyoto with Mr. Vizzutti. While in Japan, they will be playing concerts, working with local colleges and high schools, as well as listening to jazz at notable jazz clubs. However, the trip would not be complete without sightseeing; the bands are visiting many different religious sites and seeking out opportunities to revel in the natural beauty of the country. Overall, the band members share the same outlook as Ms. Patton when she says, “I’m really looking forward to just seeing Japan and learning about the culture because it is a new country that I’ve never been to. I think it will very cool to experience.”

Whoever they are playing with and wherever they are, the MHS Jazz Band and Wind Ensemble will continue to play with passion and spread their love of music.