Albemarle High Jazz Ensemble w/ Special Guests

Featuring John Dearth, Charles Owens, Taylor Barnett, Greg Thomas, Bobby Gregg, Malik Poindexter and others

The award-winning Albemarle High School Jazz Ensemble, under the direction of Andrew LaPrade, has for decades earned high-profile regional and national recognition for its consistent dedication to excellence, and for its unwavering respect and love for this uniquely American art form. Last year, the AHS Jazz Band received 4th place at the National Jazz Festival in Philadelphia, won the regional Essentially Ellington competition, and was a featured performing group at the 2021 Virginia Music Education Conference in Norfolk, VA. The group has enjoyed the support of the Charlottesville area and is proud to headline an event to give back to this same community. This year’s event will benefit Loaves & Fishes Food Pantry.

"This is a great opportunity for our students to interact with and play with some of the areas great musicians of all genres,” says LaPrade. “In working on this project, the students have become aware of cultural issues that affect the area in which they live. This concert is a springboard to continue this line of work to better their community.”

Loaves & Fishes Food Pantry exists to provide food assistance to families and individuals in need in Charlottesville and surrounding communities. One in six people in Charlottesville struggle with hunger. It is the Jazz Ensemble’s goal to raise funds to help offset the costs of the program.