While Americans watch the Grammy Awards on television Sunday, a Pleasanton student will be experiencing the event in person in Los Angeles.
Chris Palowitch, an Amador Valley junior and bass trombone player, was among 30 high-school musicians chosen to be part of the 2011 Grammy Jazz Ensembles, made up of students from all over the country. Another East Bay student, , also was chosen.
As part of the group, Palowitch is participating in a whirlwind of activities and performances to celebrate the biggest award show in America's music industry.
The ensemble performed at the MusiCares Person of the Year tribute to Barbara Streisand Friday and will be play at the Grammy after-party Sunday. The young musicians also will record at Hollywood's Capitol Studios & Mastering, courtesy of the EMI music group. The students will attend the 53rd Annual Grammy Awards as guests of The Recording Academy.
"Performing and just being able to go to these prestigious events is really exciting," Palowitch said. "This is probably one of the highest honors in the country."
Music has been part of Palowitch's life since the first grade. He played the piano and then the trumpet. But in the fifth grade, he chose to play the trombone and has stuck with the instrument since.
Palowitch said that while he primarily plays jazz, he also is interested in other types of music, including ska. He said he's unsure where he will go for college but is planning on majoring in trombone performance or music engineering.
He was among hundreds of ensemble hopefuls who tried out for the group. Candidates sent in a 15-minute video playing with a small group.
When asked if there were one celebrity or musician he could chat with during the Grammy events who it would be, Palowitch said he would most like to meet Cee Lo Green, nominated for record of the year.
