On April 27, Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS) All-County Jazz Festival took place at Linganore High School (LHS).

The All-County jazz band is a prestigious group in FCPS comprised of student musicians. Two members from the Linganore Lancer band, senior Rey Canton and freshman Cormac Malone, were selected for this group. Malone played the piano while Canton played the drumset.  

“This was my first experience playing in a big, band style jazz group,” Malone said. “I’ve played in jazz combos before, which is where it’s only a basic trio with maybe some horn players. But, I’ve never really played in a big band setting, so that was a lot of fun.” 

Malone and Canton played under the direction of Dave Kauffman. During auditions, students were tasked with performing an improv section and an excerpt of music they had practiced beforehand. Malone performed “It Don’t Mean a Thing If You Ain’t Got That Swing.” 

Canton explained what the audition process was like.

“[Y]ou signed up in February, and then you also auditioned in February, and then you got the results back in March,” Canton said.

Canton has been playing drum set for almost his entire life. It also led to him taking up guitar later. His favorite memory from doing the All-County jazz band was learning a piece in 9/8 time. He explained why he enjoyed playing with the All- County Jazz group.

“I enjoyed playing with the other best players in the whole county … seeing where they are and what they do and where they’re from, and just getting the connections from them, and being able to play with them later on after high school,” Canton said.

Overall, the All-County Jazz Festival was a success for Linganore High participants who felt it was one of the most exciting concerts of the school year.