Jazz A Band to 'Take the A Train' to NYC

Each week, Agoura Hills Patch will seek suggestions from readers for individual kids, youth groups, teens and even sports teams that wow us with their accomplishments. We want to hear about these amazing children and teens and select one each week as the Patch Whiz Kid. 

This week's Whiz Kids are the Agoura High School Jazz A Band, under the direction of Chad Bloom. These talented musicians practice as a group two to three times a week, depending on the Agoura High Block schedule. They also meet in their instrument groups for hourlong sectionals after school.

Whiz Kids: Agoura High School Jazz A Band

Grades: Ninth through 11th

School: 

Accomplishment: They have been invited to the Essentially Ellington Jazz Competition at Lincoln Center in New York, May 11 -15. The band was chosen out of 110 groups throughout the U.S. and abroad that submitted tapes. The students will have the opportunity to perform for representatives of top music conservatories, who often come to watch the competition. Wynton Marsalis, artistic director of jazz at Lincoln Center, is one of the notable judges of the competition. In addition, the kids will have a chance to meet students from all over the country. 

Jazz A Band members and their respective grades are as follows: James Gavin Bedford (11), Matthew Bouffard (11), Nicholas Brydon Calapine (10), Matthew Y. Choi (11), Keegan M. Fitzpatrick (10), Shannon M. Hughey (9), Garret W. Issacs (9), Carlie M. Jansen (10), Dara Karbassioon (10), Jacob Daniel Kelman (10), Kevin Thomas King (9), Brennan R. Leininger (10), Andrew R. McKagan (10), Landon R. Melamed (11), Morgan Edward Miller (10), Jung M. Moon (10), Duncan S. Murray (10), Brandon Shea Russell (10), Jacob B. Stock (9), Alexandra L. Tuchman (11), Christopher Wing (10), James W. Wyllie (10).

Key to awesomeness: "Everyone in the group focuses on achieving a common goal, and the group has the training and leadership to get there," said student Matt Choi.  Bloom said he is extremely proud of his band's accomplishments and is looking forward to taking this talented and dedicated group of young musicians on their adventure to New York City.

Patch is on the lookout for noteworthy children and teens. Send your nomination to spascal@sbcglobal.net.