<-  2015 ~ 2016  ->

The John P. Stevens Band Program is proud to announce this year both jazz ensembles were accepted to perform at the NJAJE State Jazz Finals. Our top jazz ensemble, under the direction of Andrew DeNicola, was awarded State Champions at finals for the third straight year – this is the 10th time overall in JPS jazz history!! Our top jazz ensemble also won awards at the State Jazz Finals for best trumpet section, best trombone section, and best sight-reading band! Varun Das, senior drummer, was the recipient of the Rick Kerber Memorial Scholarship Soloist Award. The John P. Stevens Lab Jazz Band, directed by John Zazzali, placed 3rd overall. The two ensembles were invited to play at the NJAJE State Jazz Festival Gala on May 12, located at Scotch Plains-Fanwood HS, beginning at 1:00 pm.

In the 2018 school year, 36 JPS students were selected through auditions for Central Jersey Region Band, while 22 students were selected for the N.J. All-State Band. Once again, these numbers represent the highest number from any one school in the state! For more information visit www.jpstevensband.org

On Saturday evening, April 30, 2016 John P. Stevens High School hosted the New Jersey State Jazz Finals where 9 of the top-ranked jazz bands performed. 

The John P. Stevens Jazz Ensemble, directed by Andrew DeNicola, placed 1st overall, winning best saxophone section, trumpet section, and “Best Sight-Reading Band.”  The JPS Lab Jazz Band, directed by John Zazzali, placed 4th overall.  Lab Jazz member, Brian Jiang (flugelhorn), was 1 of 4 students recognized for Outstanding Soloist. Two jazz ensemble members, Zachary Kibel (flugelhorn) and Varun Das (drums), were identified as honorable-mention soloists.

The John P. Stevens High School Wind Ensemble, directed by Andrew DeNicola, was selected to perform at the Closing Concert of the 18th Annual State Gala Concert, held at the Mason Gross School of the Arts, Rutgers University.  The Concert was held on Sunday, May 1.  The Wind Ensemble was chosen to perform at this event based on their superior performance at the recent CJMEA Concert Band Festival this past March.

Other accolades this season include a staggering “48” students from JPS who were selected through audition to the 2016 Central Jersey Region Band with “28” of those students selected to the 2016 New Jersey All-State Band.  These students represent the highest number from any one school in New Jersey!

Andrew DeNicola earned the National Federation of State High Schools Association (NFHS) "Outstanding Music Educator Award.” The Music Advisory Committee selected the recipients based on their significant contributions to high school music activities. The awards recognize high school or college band, choral or orchestral directors, supervisors and adjudicators. This year, eight individuals were winners throughout the United States.

Congratulations to Mr. DeNicola, Mr. Zazzali, and the entire John P. Stevens High School Band Program on their outstanding accomplishments.