2026 Spring Jazz Festivals

On April 15th, Williamsville North High School hosted the first of the three jazz festivals in the Williamsville CSD this year. The evening featured guest artist Ms. Camille Thurman, a versatile jazz musician whose rich saxophone sound and expressive vocals have made her a standout voice in contemporary jazz. Known for seamlessly moving between virtuosic improvisation and lyrical phrasing, Thurman has toured with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra and performs internationally as both a leader and collaborator. She previously joined us as the guest artist for the East High jazz festival in 2023, and we were thrilled to welcome her back to the Williamsville stage. 

Six ensembles from Heim Middle School, Casey Middle School, and Williamsville North High School performed throughout the night, each sharing the stage with Ms. Thurman in a celebration of student talent and musical growth. The evening included performances by:

Heim Middle 5/6 Jazz Band — Mrs. Carrie Poissant

Heim Middle 7/8 Jazz Band — Mr. Dominic Scaduto

Casey Middle 5/6 Jazz Band — Ms. Kim Fornes

Casey Middle 7/8 Jazz Band — Mrs. Jeanne Eppich

North High Jazz Band — Mr. Tom McCluskey

North High Jazz Ensemble — Mr. Michael Conte

It was an evening filled with wonderful music, where students showcased their hard work and artistry for families and the broader community.

Behind the scenes, all of these teachers worked tirelessly to prepare their ensembles, creating an inspiring experience that highlighted the dedication and strength of our district’s music program. A special thank‑you also goes to Mr. Webster, who led a group of orchestra students joining the performance on strings.

Here’s a look back at each group’s performance from the evening:

South High Jazz Festival – April 30th

Mr. William Tiberio is a highly respected Rochester‑area saxophonist and educator with more than three decades of teaching and performing experience. He has led the Fairport High School band and jazz programs for over 30 years, earning national recognition including DownBeat awards and a 2024 Rochester Music Hall of Fame honor. Beyond the classroom, he is an active performer, leading the Bill Tiberio Band and appearing at the Rochester International Jazz Festival while also conducting ensembles at the University of Rochester, SUNY Geneseo, Ithaca College, and the Eastman Community Music School. His work as both a musician and mentor has shaped generations of young performers across Western New York.