Valencia High School Jazz Choir Wins Prestigious DownBeat Magazine Award

Valencia High School’s Jazz Choir has been awarded the prestigious 2024 DownBeat Student Music Award for Best High School Large Vocal Jazz Ensemble, a testament to its exceptional talent and dedication. Since its inception in 1976, DownBeat Magazine’s awards have been a hallmark of excellence in jazz education, opening doors for aspiring musicians.
Under the direction of Christine Tavares-Mocha, the Two N’ Four Vocal Jazz Ensemble from Valencia, California, has once again secured this top honor, marking the eighth year of their success in this category. The ensemble’s performance highlighted the exceptional skills of its members, with standout soloists Emily Dibene and Isabel Pierson earning individual DownBeat Outstanding Soloist awards for their rendition of “I’ll Fly Away.”
This recognition represents the culmination of extensive dedication and practice by the ensemble, affirming their consistent excellence in jazz education. The significance of this award extends beyond the accolade itself, often leading to college scholarships and further opportunities in music and entertainment for the students.
The ensemble’s success continues to inspire future generations of musicians, solidifying Valencia High School’s reputation in the music community. With a bright future ahead, these young vocalists have set a high standard for their peers: James Stockman, Ella Ray, Lucas Santos, Daniel Heringer, Donovan Krejcarek, Tomi Lessis, Steviejane Petree, Bella Petree, Matt Roco-Calvo, Maya Shankar, Emma Henao, Callia Cheshire, Rebekah Puettman, Marcus Espinosa, Promiz Thomas, Emily Dibene, Isabel Pierson, Francis Kalaw, and Nathan Egami. Their dedication and passion exemplify the essence of musical excellence.