Two GREAT nights. One UNFORGETTABLE experience.
On December 29 and 30, the Virgin Islands community was treated to two unforgettable nights of first-class jazz music when world-renowned master trumpeter Jon Faddis and Triumph of Trumpets hit the stage at the Prior-Jollek Hall at Antilles School on St. Thomas. The fundraising event was a unique collaboration between the Department of Education and the United Jazz Foundation to help raise funds to expand music education in Virgin Islands public schools.
Featured prominently on both nights was the talented crop of student jazz musicians, the VI Youth Ensemble. The group is comprised of top student musicians from the territory's public high schools. They performed a selection of soulful and upbeat jazz tunes at welcome receptions and during intermission on both nights. Additionally, members of the group performed on-stage with the legendary Faddis and his Jon Faddis Quartet.
As part of two-day gathering, students and music teachers enjoyed workshops with the master musicians. Faddis and his team dished out advice on rehearsing, loving the music, learning the history of jazz, and shared a variety of life lessons.
It was a remarkable experience for the young student musicians, many of whom plan to pursue careers in music.
