Concert on the
Commons

The first place winner of the Billie Holiday Vocal Competition and semi-finalist in the American Traditions Competition, jazz vocalist Sara Jones has toured 49 states and performed in numerous concert halls across the country. 

Jones has performed as a soloist with the National Symphony Orchestra, Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, and Ravinia Festival Orchestra, under the batons of Emil de Cou and Erich Kunzel. An additional highlight includes a solo performance on the Esplanade with Keith Lockhart and the Boston Pops Orchestra. In the Baltimore/Washington area, Jones was a featured vocalist with the Jazz Ambassadors and has graced the stages of the Hippodrome Theater, Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, Strathmore Mansion, and the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. 

Jones, who began her musical career as a pianist, received her Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance at St. Mary's College of Maryland and her Master of Music in Piano Accompanying at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. After graduation, she chose to pursue a professional vocal career with the Soldiers’ Chorus of the U.S. Army Field Band, where she served for six years. Now a civilian, Jones maintains an active performing schedule and has recently released her debut CD, Daydream A Little on Petite Musique Records. A collection of beloved jazz standards and bossa novas, it features Jones and major Brazilian Jazz Group, Trio Da Paz. Jones’ schedule can be found on her website, sarajones.com.

David Matchim was appointed Director of Bands at Centennial High School in the fall of 2011. Under his leadership, the band program has flourished, growing in enrollment and earning local, state, and national recognition. All three concert bands have consistently received unanimous “superior” ratings at the Howard County Band Assessments. The band program received national recognition when the Centennial High School Wind Ensemble became the first high school concert band from Maryland since 1973 to perform at The Midwest Clinic. 

Mr. Matchim's dedication to music education has earned him numerous prestigious awards, including the Howard County Parents for School Music Educator of the Year Award, the Howard County Arts Council Outstanding Arts Educator of the Year Award, the Maryland Music Educators Association Outstanding Music Educator Award, the Yamaha National “40 under 40” Music Educator Award, and the Music & Arts National Music Teacher of the Year Award. He is a graduate of the Oberlin Conservatory of Music and the Peabody Institute of The Johns Hopkins University.

The Centennial High School Jazz Band, based in Ellicott City, Maryland, is a group of dedicated and talented young musicians under the direction of David Matchim. Known for its consistent performances and commitment to excellence, the band has consistently placed in the top five at national jazz competitions and festivals, including the renowned Berklee High School and National Jazz Festivals.

The ensemble is comprised of students who are not only passionate about music but also excel in other areas. Many members are scholars, academics, athletes, and more, showcasing their diverse talents and interests. Graduates of the Centennial High School band program have gone on to attend some of the top music schools in the country, reflecting the strong musical and artistic foundation they receive at Centennial.

The Centennial High School Jazz Band is proud of its tradition of excellence and the hard work of its members, and it continues to strive for improvement and growth in every performance.