You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles
YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.
TMEA 2024 CONFERENCE PERFORMING ENSEMBLES<br />
THOMPSON'S STATION MIDDLE SCHOOL JAZZ BAND<br />
Performance on Thursday, April 11, 2024, at 1:30 p.m.<br />
Thompson’s Station Middle School Jazz Band is the premiere<br />
instrumental ensemble of the Thompson’s Station Middle<br />
School Band Program. Currently in its sixth year, the Jazz Band<br />
program includes both 7th and 8th grade musicians who elect<br />
to participate during the school day. These young musicians<br />
have been captivating audiences and judges with their<br />
extraordinary talent and unwavering dedication to their craft.<br />
The TSMS Band Program consistently produces MTSBOA<br />
Mid-State Honor Band and MTSBOA Mid-State Jazz Honor<br />
Band members. In addition to annually achieving superior<br />
ratings at Performance Festivals, the TSMS Jazz Band has been<br />
featured at Pilgrimage Festival in Franklin, Tennessee, as well<br />
as the Main Street Festival in downtown Franklin, Tennessee.<br />
The talented TSMS Jazz students frequently perform at local<br />
events and fundraisers, bringing the joy of jazz and funk to<br />
a wider audience and exemplifying the positive impact that music can have on individuals and communities alike. The Thompson’s<br />
Station Middle School Jazz Band Program is honored to perform at the 65th Annual Tennessee Music Education Association<br />
Conference.<br />
Christopher Colalillo is a passionate advocate for music education, an exceptional performer,<br />
and an esteemed teacher that has been instrumental in shaping Jazz in Williamson County <strong>TN</strong><br />
Schools. As the founder of the WCS Jazz Honors Band, he has left an incredible mark on the<br />
lives of countless middle school and high school students, instilling a love for music in them<br />
that will last a lifetime.<br />
Born and raised in <strong>No</strong>rthern New Jersey, Christopher Colalillo’s journey into the world of music<br />
began at a young age, starting piano in third grade. It was during his middle school years that he<br />
picked up a trumpet and realized his true passion for music and teaching. His fascination with<br />
various instruments includes trumpet, tuba, piano, guitar and drums, which led him on a lifelong<br />
quest to share his love for music with others.<br />
Christopher Colalillo's commitment to his craft took him to William Paterson University (WPU),<br />
where he majored in Music Education and focused on tuba and piano. His time at WPU and being a<br />
musician in the NYC Area not only equipped him with musical proficiency, but also embedded a deep appreciation for the importance of<br />
both education and performance skills.<br />
Driven by a desire to foster the next generation of well-rounded youth and young musicians, Christopher founded the WCS Jazz Honors<br />
Band in Williamson County. This ensemble has become a symbol of excellence and dedication, a place where talented middle school<br />
and high school students come together to explore the world of jazz under his guidance along with other music clinicians. The band<br />
has garnered numerous awards and accolades, showcasing Mr. Colalillo’s dedication to nurturing young talent.<br />
Beyond his role as an educator, Christopher Colalillo is an accomplished performer in the Greater Nashville Area. His passion for<br />
performing is not only a testament to his love for the art but also serves as an inspiration to his students, encouraging them to strive for<br />
greatness in their own musical journeys.<br />
22 | TENNESSEE MUSICIAN | 2024 | <strong>Vol</strong>ume <strong>76</strong>, <strong>No</strong>. 2
Change language