For the Love of Jazz

Renowned musician Chris Vadala joins
Mr. Conto and the Bishop McNamara Jazz Ensemble
for an unforgettable evening

Simply put, the evening was unforgettable! On Sunday, February 13, 2005 the Bishop McNamara Jazz Ensemble, under the direction of Mr. Anthony Conto presented an evening of music, dining and dance at the Andrews Air Force Base Golf Course Clubhouse. The Ensemble performed to a sell-out crowd and no one left the room disappointed. Playing a collection of popular jazz selections, the Ensemble electrified the room. As one of the guests in attendance put it, “close your eyes and you will forget you are listening to a high school band, this performance should be taking place in a professional jazz club!”

An added highlight of the evening was when special guest performer Chris Vadala joined the Ensemble on stage. A Grammy, Emmy, and Golden Globe award winner, Mr. Vadala is one of the country’s foremost woodwind artists. Widely recognize for his 13-year tenure in the Chuck Mangione Quartet, Mr. Vadala is an international star. Currently serving as the Director of Jazz Studies at the University of Maryland, Mr. Vadala has twice served as a Visiting Professor of Saxophone at the prestigious Eastman School of Music. “I love music and I love working with the kids.” Mr. Vadala says that he was very excited to join Mr. Conto, a former student of his, in this effort. “What Tony is doing with these kids is remarkable.”

It was indeed a remarkable evening for all who attended. In addition to the wonderful performance of the Jazz Ensemble, guests enjoyed a delicious dinner, some time on the dance floor, and took home some wonderful gifts from the silent auction and raffles. The evening benefited the school’s band program.

CONGRATULATIONS to Mr. Conto and the Jazz Ensemble who gave their all and succeeded brilliantly, “for the love of jazz!”