Our Music Department had major/immense success at the Boston Heritage Festival they competed at on March 25.
“Among schools from Tennessee, Ontario, Connecticut, California, and more, Drake stood out as an outstanding example of musicianship.” Music Director Chip Boaz said.

In the Jazz Band category, Drake placed 1st with a Gold rating, in the Symphonic Band category, Drake placed 2nd with a Silver rating, in the Concert Choir category, Drake placed 2nd with a Bronze rating, and in the Jazz Choir category, Drake placed 2nd with a Bronze rating.

There were four trophies for overall performances. The Jazz Band won the award for top festival performance, the whole department won a select adjudicator choice award, the bands won an award for top instrumental department, and the whole department won the best of show award.

In addition to the many group awards the music department received, the adjudicators chose six individual students as premier musicians; four of the individuals came from Drake.

Alto saxophone player Sasha de Frondeville, tenor saxophone player Riley Mankin, bass player Nick Brown, and alto saxophone player Harry Hall were all recognized with the prestigious Maestro award.

“No one expected this to happen. Jazz has never won a gold medal at the heritage festivals. I guess hours of playing the same three songs over and over and over again eventually paid off!” excited senior Sasha de Frondeville said.