Whiz Kids of the Week: Maple Dale Jazz Ensemble

Jazz Ensemble Students, ages 12-13 years old

Maple Dale Middle School

Accomplishment: These students participated in the Bob Kames Jazz Festival, earning second place and receiving a "superior" rating. A judge at the festival commented on their performance on a rating sheet saying, "Nice job - especially nice individual sounds!"

The festival allowed them to attend master classes, clinic sessions with area jazz artists, and they even had a chance to attend a session with world renowned jazz trumpeter, Jan Faddis. 

Key to Awesomeness: These students have a very strong edication and commitment to music, and jazz in general. Jamie Breiwick, director of bands at Maple Dale School says that the students make music a major priority in their lives.

"(They're) sacrificing their own personal time before, after school, during lunch/recess, and on weekends." Breiwick even has a website dedicated to  the Maple Dale Band that can be found here.

We want to hear about more amazing children and teens, and we'll select one each week as the Patch Whiz Kid.  Submit your nomination in our comment box below or e-mail the information to sarah.worthman@patch.com