Justin Edgar-McNerney Captures Louis Armstrong Award
Justin Edgar-McNerney is a musician, among many other hats the teenager wears. A member of Huntington High School’s Class of 2015, the Northeastern University bound scholar captured the Louis Armstrong Award, which is presented annually to a sensational senior jazz musician.
Runner-up in this year’s high school spelling bee, Mr. Edgar-McNerney was a member of the National Honor Society as well as the Tri-M, English, French, Math, History and Science Honor Societies, serving as vice-president of two and treasurer of a third.
A four-year member of the Blue Devil marching band, the teenager was the drum major last fall when Huntington won the state field band conference championship. He also played in the high school’s jazz and wind ensembles and in the pit orchestra for the spring musical, Beauty and the Beast.
Mr. Armstrong was born in August 1901 in New Orleans, the birthplace of jazz. “He is considered the most important improviser in jazz, and he taught the world to swing,” according to a biography on the Public Broadcasting System website. “[Mr.] Armstrong, fondly known as ‘Satchmo’ (which is short for ‘Satchelmouth’ referring to the size of his mouth) or ‘Pops,’ had a sense of humor, natural and unassuming manner, and positive disposition that made everyone around him feel good. With his infectious, wide grin and instantly recognizable gravelly voice, he won the hearts of people everywhere. He had an exciting and innovative style of playing that musicians imitate to this day. Throughout his career, [Mr.] Armstrong spread the language of jazz around the world, serving as an international ambassador of swing. His profound impact on the music of the 20th century continues into the 21st century. Up until a few days before his death, on July 6, 1971, he was setting up band rehearsals in preparation to perform for his beloved public.”
The Louis Armstrong Jazz Award was first presented across the country in 1974, with the full approval of the music legend’s widow, Lucille Armstrong. “Louis Armstrong’s station in the history of jazz is unimpeachable,” said Dizzy Gillespie in 1971. “If it weren’t for him, there wouldn’t be any of us.”
Huntington music teacher Veronica Mainville presented to award to Mr. Edgar-McNerney during a ceremony in the high school auditorium before a crowd of 300. Louis Armstrong Jazz Award recipients “must demonstrate the highest levels of dedication, loyalty, character, and discipline to the jazz band program while achieving the highest musical standards required of jazz music,” according to the award criteria.