Seniors Selected for All-State Jazz

From left, Austin Chandler, Andy Hipsky, and Tony Esposito.

Three GSA seniors are among the best high school jazz musicians in the state and will participate in the Maine All-State Jazz Festival in January.

“Congratulations to these fine musicians,” said music director Phelan Gallagher ’02. “GSA continues a tradition of excellence at the festival this year with your acceptance to the top jazz ensembles in the state.”

Austin Chandler of Surry placed first in the state on bass and will perform in the premier jazz combo. Andy Hipsky of Blue Hill placed second on guitar and will perform in the honors jazz band. Tony Esposito of Surry placed third in drums and will perform with the jazz band.

To earn their place at the festival, all three learned George Gershwin’s “Summertime” for their auditions and practiced a lot.

“You play the same song over and over again,” Tony said, “and by the end, it’s like, a lot, but it is cool hearing it take shape.”

But practice alone won’t get you to the All-State Festival. It takes years of experience (all three started in elementary school) and a love of performance, something all three have.

“I play music because it’s fun, and it sounds good, and I’m passionate about it,” Andy said.

Austin plays for the same reasons. “I don’t know why I like it, but I really do, and it makes me happy.”

And, Tony said, “it’s cool being in a group and having that connection, playing music together. That’s one of the things I like.”

Their success thus far is also due to help over the years from family members and music teachers.

“I’d like to thank Mr. Gallagher,” Andy said, “for helping us out” with the audition process.

Austin thanked Mr. O, retired GSA music director Steve Orlofsky, “because he really, like, built the foundation.”

Tony agreed. “He was the one who kind of pushed us to put ourselves out there and try out for the first year,” he said, “…and we kept trying out, got feedback from the festival, and were able to use that to get better and make it.”

And make it, they have.

The Maine Music Educators Association’s Jazz All-State Festival will take place at Bangor High School in mid-January.

To find out why Andy, Austin, and Tony play the instruments they do, what they’re looking forward to about the festival, and what advice they have for younger musicians, visit George Stevens Academy’s YouTube channel.

Beating around the bush?