FROM STAFF REPORTS

The Oak Mountain High School Jazz Band captured top honors recently at the 2008 Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame Student Jazz Festival held March 27-29.

This marks the second time in the last three years that this group has been named “The Band of Distinction,” winning the event in the high school category.

Oak Mountain’s performance included the familiar jazz tunes “I’ve Got You Under My Skin,” “My Funny Valentine” and “Summertime,” featuring OMHS senior soloists Lindsay Cleveland (vocals) and Charles Wilson (sax).

Now in its sixth year, the festival provides the only competition venue for student jazz bands in the state or region.

It is held in the restored Carver Theater of the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame on 4th Ave. N. in Birmingham.

More than 30 jazz bands from across the state and from neighboring states compete in the three-day festival.

“I am so excited that the kids won … that’s just wonderful,” said Jim Duren, who heads the Oak Mountain band programs and directs the jazz band in daily practices.

The group has been a participant in this jazz festival since it began and also performs for school, community and holiday events.