DURHAM – Superintendent Dr. Robert Shaps and Principal Rebecca Noe proudly share that four Oyster River High School (ORHS) students, Elizabeth Bessette, Asa Goldsmith, Gwendelyn Ickes, and Jilienne Smith were selected for the New Hampshire Music Educators Association (NHMEA) Jazz All-State Festival.

Bessette and Ickes participated in the Honors Jazz Choir. Goldsmith was selected for trumpet and Smith will perform in Jazz Choir.

The ORHS students were supervised by Music Teachers Marc LaForce and Jarika Olberg.

"We are very excited to participate in the NHMEA Jazz All-State Festival,” said LaForce. “The festival was launched by music educators in 1983 as a vehicle to highlight student achievement in the jazz genre. It has since grown to include two jazz bands and two jazz choirs, directed by guest conductors who are amongst the finest jazz educators in the country.” 

About 400 students from around the state auditioned for the festival. Selected students will travel to Pinkerton Academy Feb. 5-7 to rehearse with their groups, comprised of the best high school musicians in New Hampshire. 

"We are incredibly proud of Asa, Gwendelyn, Elizabeth, and Jilienne for being selected for the NHMEA Jazz All-State Festival,” said Principal Noe. “This achievement reflects not only their exceptional talent and dedication, but also the strength of our music program and the outstanding instruction they receive from our educators.”

The Jazz All-State Festival culminates with a final concert on Saturday, Feb. 7, at the Stockbridge Center for the Performing Arts at Pinkerton Academy in Derry.