Join us at BLU Jazz+ as we feature our area's top high school & collegiate jazz programs in a special concert series! This showcase will include performances by the Boardman High School Jazz 1 Ensemble!
The Boardman High School Jazz Ensemble 1 from Youngstown, Ohio is under the direction of Mr. Thomas M. Ruggieri. It is one of three full big band ensembles in the Boardman Jazz Program. Besides numerous school concerts and community events, Jazz Ensemble 1 has performed by invitation at B.B. King’s Blues Club, Swing 46, the U.S.S. Intrepid, and Trump Tower in New York, The Blue Wisp in Cincinnati, and the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame in Cleveland. The group is a favorite at local parks and arts festivals including Waterfire Sharon during its summer schedule. The ensemble was twice selected as the only high school jazz ensemble in Ohio to perform at the annual OMEA music convention. Individual members of the group have been selected to perform in the OMEA All-State Jazz Ensemble including three students this year.
The band has had the rare honor of opening up for 2 world-famous bands when they came to the Youngstown area: Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Band in 2013 and the Buddy Rich Big Band in March 2016. Many famous jazz artists have been guest performers with the band including Mike Tomaro, Bernie Dresel, Jack Schantz, and more.
Alumni of the program are performing, producing, and teaching all over the world.
Join us as we continue our 2nd annual BLU Jazz+ Student All-Stars Concert Series by featuring the Boardman High School Jazz ensemble! Half the proceeds from this event go back to Boardman High School’s jazz program, so bring your friends and family out and show your support for these awesome local groups!