Commissioner Holness presents proclamation to Dillard High School Orchestra Director
From Lahoma Scarlette
BROWARD COUNTY, FLA – Broward County Commissioner Dale V.C. Holness made a special trip to Dillard High School to present Christopher Dorsey, Director of Jazz Studies and Orchestra Director for Dillard Center For The Arts, with a proclamation declaring Friday, Dec. 20, 2013 as “Dillard Center For The Arts Jazz Ensemble and Christopher Dorsey Appreciation Day.”
During Commissioner Holness’ visit the ensemble was practicing as they are set to perform at the 67th Annual Midwest International Orchestra and Band Clinic on Friday, at McCormick Place West in Chicago, Illinois. This invitation comes on the heels of their performance as Wynton Marsalis’ demonstration band at the Mid-west Clinic, Dec. 21, 2012, and their fourth invitation as a finalist at the 2013 Essentially Ellington High School Jazz Band Competition, May.
Since 2004, Christopher Dorsey has developed the Jazz Program at Dillard Center for the Arts into one of the premier high school jazz programs in the country. Under his direction, Dillard’s Jazz Ensemble has won numerous awards, including first place at the Essentially Ellington High School Jazz Competition in 2011 and 2012 and the Swing Central High School Jazz Workshop & Competition in 2010, 2011, and 2012, which are equivalent to the Super Bowl and Pro Bowl of national high school jazz competitions.
“I’m just trying to teach life skills through music and our kids are starving for discipline and high expectations. Every-body wants to be a part of the winning team. And I’m always recruiting kids from all over the county, said Dorsey.”
Commissioner Holness could not leave before taking in a performance by the Ensemble, “They are more professional than most professional groups. These kids are poised and ready to take on the world of music and provide not only great entertainment but leadership. If you get an opportunity to attend a performance of these excellent musicians, you should. You will be totally mesmerized by the greatness of their performance. They need all the support our community can give them, says Holness.”
