NJAJE State Jazz Festival Gala

Beginning in May of 2017, the New Jersey Association for Jazz Education will invite the top three placing bands from each finals division to a gala concert. The spirit of this event is a non-competitive concert, with special awards presented to four outstanding sections and four outstanding soloists. Each band will also receive a commemorative keepsake of their gala performance invitation. Beginning in 2018, two choirs from the State Festival will also perform.

2018 Gala
Saturday, May 12, 1:00 PM
Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School
​Unfortunately, this year's event has been cancelled. Please look out for the 2019 Gala Information soon.

Participating groups TBD after State Finals

2017 Gala
Saturday, May 13, 1:30 PM
Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School

​Camden Creative Arts High School, Jamaal Dickerson
Edison High School, Marc DeNicuolo
​Jackson Liberty High School, Scott Katona
JP Stevens High School (Edison), Andrew DeNicola
Overbrook High School (Pine Hill), Brian Height
Scotch Plains Moonglowers, Durand Thomas
Sparta High School Blues Inc., Andrew Lopez
West Milford High School, Matt Gramata

The following ensembles were eligible for the gala, but were unable to attend:
Deptford High School, Carl Cox
Newark Academy Chameleon, Julius Tolentino
Princeton High School Jazz Ensemble, Scott Grimaldi
Princeton High School Studio Band, Joe Bongiovi

Outstanding Saxophone Section: Scotch Plains
Outstanding Trumpet Section: JP Stevens
Outstanding Trombone Section: Scotch Plains
Outstanding Rhythm Section: Camden

Outstanding Soloist: Joshua Sims, Trumpet/Flugelhorn, Camden
Outstanding Soloist: Ethan Cheung, Tenor Sax, Scotch Plains
Outstanding Soloist: Zachary Kibel, Trumpet, JP Stevens
Outstanding Soloist: ​Gene Flores, Trumpet/Flugelhorn, Edison

Honorable Mention Soloist: Raphael Krause-Palit, Guitar, Sparta
Honorable Mention Soloist: George Willis, Flute/Tenor Sax, Jackson
Honorable Mention Soloist: Randy Thompson, Tenor Sax, Camden