BRUNSWICK —- On Feb. 28, the Camden Hills Regional High School Jazz Band, under the direction of Nancy Rowe, earned an “I,” or "superior rating," at the Maine Music Educator's District 3 Jazz Festival.

The ratings range from I through IV. A "I" rating means that the ensemble "exceeds the standards of musical performance." The group was praised for their stylistic concepts, technique, musicality and quality of programming.

Senior alto saxophonist Nick LeClerc earned the Judges Choice award for his improvisational work as well as his featured solo in Willow Weep for Me by Kris Berg.

Normally, a superior rating qualifies the ensemble for participation in the State Jazz Festival. In lieu of this, the ensemble will be competing at the Heritage Music Festival in New York City at the end of April.