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Author: Guy Gonzales

IAJSD Students “Tore it Up” at Point Loma Nazarene College Jazz Fest!

March 27, 2017
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| Categories: Awards, Home Page Post

Rob Thorsen’s 9am and 11am ensembles performed at Point Loma Nazarene College Jazz Fest this Saturday March 25.  Both groups received high marks from the judges.  Rob commented, “I am very proud of my two ensembles. Both groups tore it up! My ensemble l (9am) got a superior rating and my ensemble ll (11am) got an excellent rating. Great job Julian Roel, Jarien Jamanila, Jiakai Chang, Emma Christie Foster, Edward Gabrielyn, Angelica Pruitt, Eric Wesling, Carmen Murray, Nick Caldwell, Veena Dorazio, Dharma Dorazio, Benny Simon and Bryce Jacobs!  Special thanks to judges Christopher Hollyday and Willie Murillo and festival director

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Kamau Kenyatta receives 2nd GRAMMY!

February 23, 2017
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Congratulations to Kamau Kenyatta on his 2nd GRAMMY Award!  Kamau received the award for his work as producer and arranger of Gregory Porter’s album “Take Me to the Alley.”  This album won in the category “Best Vocal Jazz Album.”  Kamau’s first GRAMMY was also on a collaboration with Gregory Porter – “Liquid Spirit” in 2014. Kamau teaches two ensembles at IAJSD.  He is beloved by his students for his depth of knowledge of music and his desire for artistic authenticity.  Kamau also teaches at UCSD where he was honored with the prestigious Barbara J. and Paul D. Saltman Distinguished Teaching

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IAJSD Students Off to Festivals!

February 13, 2017
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Gilbert Castellanos' 9am ensemble was accepted as a finalist in The Next Gen Jazz Festival! Next Gen Jazz Fest in Monterey, CA, will take place March 31 - April 2. It is an invite only festival. Gilbert’s 9am combo (from left to right: Johnny Steele, drums, Alvin Paige, sax, John Murray bass, Zion Dyson, vocals, Gilbert Castellanos, instructor, Jason Picker, piano, Nick Vedder, trumpet, Andrew Martinez, guitar) submitted an audition recording in December and on Jan 27 received the good news that they were accepted to the festival! They will be competing with 5 other bands in the High School

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New Years Day Party at The Steeles!

January 3, 2017
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Thank you Steele Family (Johnny, Scott and Jen) for hosting an IAJSD New Years Day party! It was a wonderful occasion to come together as a community. The students had a jam session while the parents got a chance to catch up.  Marshall Hawkins gave the kids an impromptu lesson and they were hanging on every word.  Instructors Gilbert Castellanos and Rob Thorsen were there as well as Exec Director Guy Gonzales.  What a perfect way to ring in the new year!

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Carmen Murray Performs with the San Diego Symphony!

December 18, 2016
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14 year old Carmen Murray, drummer in Rob Thorsen's 9am class, was asked to perform a djembe solo for the San Diego Symphony's Holiday Concert "Noel, Noel."  The concert featured Brian Stokes Mitchell on vocals, a beloved Broadway star.  During the show Brian explained to the audience that the symphony would now play "The Little Drummer Boy," but in this case it was "The Little Drummer Girl"  and Carmen came out on stage. Brian asked her a few questions about herself and her music education and she proudly shared that she was a student in IAJSD.  She then went on

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IAJSD Will Perform at Jazz @ The Jacobs!

November 23, 2016
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The San Diego Symphony has offered IAJSD students several spots to perform at Jazz @ The Jacobs.  Students will perform in the lobby one hour before the main concert.  We are incredibly grateful for this opportunity!  Our first show will be Saturday, Nov. 26 at 7pm opening up for Count Basie Orchestra!  Click here for more information on the Jazz @ The Jacobs series - curated by our own IAJSD Artistic Director Gilbert Castellanos.

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Johnny Steele Receives YoungArts Scholarship!

November 23, 2016
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For the second year in a row Johnny Steele has been selected for a Young Arts scholarship.  Johnny is 16 and plays in Gilbert Castellanos’ 9am combo.  Johnny was one of 5 percussionists selected nationwide to receive an award from Young Arts and stands to win $10,000 and a chance to study with mentors in Miami, New York or L.A.  His top choice is to study with Wynton Marsalis in New York. Johnny is making his mark on the SD Jazz Scene.  He is often asked to play in Gilbert’s house band for the Wednesday Night Jam Sessions.  He was

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Wed Oct 19 – Sean Lambert

October 18, 2016
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This week, the spotlight is on Sean Lambert, a senior at Mission Bay High School and member of its jazz band, The Preservationists. He also attends the International Academy of Jazz San Diego. The band will be featuring: Eric Wesling on guitar Edward Gabrielyan on the keys John Martinez on the drums And Sean Lambert on woodwinds/vocals

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Marshall Hawkins – Guest Instructor

October 17, 2016
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Gilbert's 11 am class was thrilled when Marshall Hawkins stop in to give them a few pointers.  Mr. Hawkins runs the jazz program at the Idyllwild Arts Academy and was in town to attend an IAJSD board meeting. Mr. Hawkins in a living legend.  He was Miles Davis's bass player back in the day.  He teaches the kids with such depth and clarity.  His jazz lectures often touch on deeply spiritual issues.  He is a treasure and we are so blessed to have him as a mentor and board member. Brenda Greggio, the combo's piano player, wanted to express how

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