Students to perform at Liberty Jazz Festival

Professional percussionist to give clinic

LIBERTY, NY — The Liberty Central School Department of Music will host the 10th annual Liberty Jazz Festival at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 4, in the Middle School gymnasium. The festival will feature high school jazz ensembles from Liberty, Monticello and Sullivan West, and middle school jazz ensembles from Liberty and Monticello. The students will also have the opportunity to participate in an afternoon clinic, starting at 3:00 p.m., with a renowned jazz artist “in a non-competitive, constructive format,” according to festival chairman and Liberty Central School music director Gary Siegel.

This year’s artist is percussionist Larry Balestra. Balestra was a music educator in the public schools for 33 years and has worked as a certified All-State adjudicator for percussion and jazz. He has performed with The Ice Capades Orchestra, The Buffalo Philharmonic, Sullivan Symphonic Band, Woodstock Chamber Orchestra, Jerry Vale, Don Rickles and the National Symphony in Washington, D.C.

The requested donation for the Jazz Festival is $5 for adults, $3 for seniors and students. There is a maximum family cost of $20.00.

For more information call 845/292-5400, ext. 5117 or email siegelgar@libertykl2.org.