The Westland Hialeah Senior High School Jazz Cats Band will be performing at Florida National University’s Spring 2014 Commencement Ceremony on Sunday, April 27th at the James L. Knight Center, Miami, FL.
Led by Mr. Curtis H. Edwards, Jr., the band is composed of 16 members; it includes students from grades 9 to 12. This is the first time the Jazz Cats will be performing for its Hialeah neighbor, Florida National University (FNU).
This five year old group of highly talented musicians is no stranger to performing for universities. For the last three years, the Jazz Cats have participated in Florida International University’s Band Day Veterans’ Day Salute. As for scholastic achievements, past band members have used their talents to get accepted into College Honor Bands. Next year, three seniors will be going to college on partial marching band scholarships.
Westland’s Director of Instrumental Studies and bandleader Mr. Edwards is very proud of his students and their accomplishments. Mr. Edwards has been a teacher for the last 25 years; he has been at Westland for the last three years. He holds a Bachelor of Music degree, and as a musician he has enjoyed the unique experience of touring with world renowned artists such as The Four Tops, The Temptations, The Drifters, Teddy Pendergrass and Little Anthony to name just a few. In addition, Mr. Edwards has played for the Sunrise Symphonic Pops Orchestra and the Alhambra Orchestra.
“I have been very lucky to have spent the majority of my life in the field I love most, to have taught and played with some of the finest musicians in the business,” said Mr. Edwards of his amazing musical career.
Florida National University is extremely proud to have the Jazz Cats perform at its commencement ceremony.
