2008 Texas Tech Jazz Festival Trophy

The trip to the Texas Tech Jazz Festival in Lubbock was a total success, and a special time. I’ve always felt we have a great group of young musicians, but it goes way beyond the music. The El Paso Youth Jazz Ensemble “ambassadors” represented El Paso well on and off the stage.

With a very long travel day and late night on Friday, it was an early call on Saturday morning. It started with a 7:30 a.m. departure for the hotel, 8:00 and 8:30 a.m. mini rehearsal and warm up (2 locations on campus) and they performed at 9:00 a.m. This was not just another “band trip” for the students but, a “GIG”.

They took care of business (“Bravo!”). There were wonderful comments about the ensembles’ performance from the Adjudicators, Band Directors, and others. Many people mentioned how fortunate the students and the community of El Paso are to have such a program.

I brought back some wonderful and lasting memories. The first night after a busy day it was really cool to see and hear a few of the students with their instruments in one of the rooms. Aaron Doyle and Arath Coral with his guitar in hand sitting around talking about scales and chord progressions with the kids.

We had the chance to hear a lot of music on various levels. The Texas Tech Jazz Band was excellent. But, we were blown away with the "Duke Ellington Orchestra". Words cannot describe what an extraordinary musical evening we had.

The ride back to El Paso started off very quiet, due to total exhaustion. Slowly but, surely the music began to get louder and conversations were back in stride. We listened to all kinds music and the kids even broke out singing at times. Then about the time we got to Carlsbad, NM it was only Jazz for the rest of the trip. Arath and I talked about different artists, recordings, and jazz music in general. The kids were really into it with great questions and comments and it didn't stop until we pulled into Del Valle's High School parking lot.

My hat goes off to Marty Olivas and also to Dr. Stanley Ball along with the Jazz El Paso Connection Board members for their on going vision, hard work, and support. I hope you enjoy the trophy the kids brought back (for their excellent performance at the festival) and presented to the organization. Display it with pride. Keeping Jazz alive is so important.

A big thanks also goes out to the parents for their continued hard work and support.

The El Paso Youth Jazz Ensemble program will definitely be a big part of keeping that (Flame!) lit. Marty Olivas, students, and staff: "Job well done!" I feel so fortunate and blessed to be a part of such a special program.

Thanks To You All,
Ricky Malichi

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The El Paso Youth Jazz Ensemble wrapped up it’s Texas Tech Jazz Festival experience by immersing themselves listening to the Duke Ellington Orchestra performance. There is no way to describe the experience that could come anywhere close to having been there in person. We were transcended to the 1920’s and 30’s as if it were the hippest music ever. The night was magical and definitely a once in a lifetime opportunity. No recording to date will be relished by all of us near as much as having witnessed this concert live. Thank you, JazzEl Paso Connection and parents for supporting this organization. This was such an educational and inspiring experience. - Martin Huerta