Five NDA students, four seniors and one sophomore, have been chosen to be a part of the Green Bay All-City Jazz Band, a band composed of some of the most accomplished high school students in our area.

The concert is on Friday, April 14, at 7:30 pm at the Weidner Center. 

The concert is a new addition to UWGB’s Jazz Festival, which has been running for over 50 years, and it will include events around the city. 

The festival has a new format and will take place over several days starting on Tuesday. April 11, and concluding on April 15 with a concert featuring the popular music group Blood Sweat & Tears.

The five students chosen are Hannah Beals Romero (alto sax), Eli Bieker (percussion), Madeline Tricarico (acoustic bass), Camden Chrudimsky (trombone) and sophomore Amelia Chrudimsky (trumpet). Being chosen for this concert is a major honor. 

The five were selected by Band Director Steve Johnson based on their musical achievements and their dedication to the music program at NDA. 

“It’s not often that you get to be a part of something that is happening for the first time,” said Johnson. “They’ll get to work with UWGB faculty and perform on the Weidner Center stage as part of the very first UWGB Jazz Fest All-City Jazz Band. It will be an experience to remember.”

Camden Chrudimsky was picked as the trombone 4 for the concert and feels honored to have been picked

“I have been so involved in jazz band throughout my four years at NDA, so it is very gratifying to see that my teacher has recognized that commitment and given me a great opportunity,” he said. 

The trombonist is looking forward to working with musicians outside of NDA. 

“I have watched bands such as West De Pere and Preble perform at various jazz fests, but I have never been able to personally work with them,” he explained. “I definitely hope that my playing level holds up with other trombonists in the Green Bay area, but I am mostly just looking forward to playing some interesting and fun music.” 

His sister, Amelia Chrudimsky, is the only sophomore to be selected for this concert. “I’m super honored,” she exclaimed. “Even though this program is usually exclusive to upperclassmen, the directors were looking for more trumpets, and Mr. Johnson suggested I could do it. I’m very appreciative that he thought I would be right for this group.” 

Despite facing a very large scale event, the trumpet player is not very nervous.

“Looking at the sample music we were given, it’s very similar to some of the pieces we’ve worked on in the Jazz Band at NDA—there’s even a song that our band played last year,” she said. “Even though some of the music is a little tough, I know that my section partners as well as the great directors will be able to help me out.”