Band director and Rio Americano teacher Josh Murray (third from left) joins the school’s Charles Mingus jazz ensemble.  Musicians are James Sidebotham (left) Ezra Erickson, Madison Kate, Wyatt Jobe, Joel Cooper, Aiden Chen and Henry Dall-Parker (kneeling).

SACRAMENTO REGION, CA (MPG) – Audience applause was music to the ears of two Sacramento music icons during the recent Teagarden Jazz Festival at Sacramento State University.

Rio Americano band director Josh Murray received the Sacramento Jazz Education Foundation’s recently renamed “Yvonne Au Jazz Education” plaque. Award originator Yvonne Au was recognized for her many years of service to the Foundation and its annual festival.

Murray’s students led a standing ovation. The Carmichael resident has tutored bands to national and international distinction. His current proteges were among 30 festival ensembles; six Rio students earned Teagarden scholarships. “I’m always proud of my kids,” said their mentor. “I love how they work together, support each other and play music with respect for the culture that created it.”

From center-stage at the awards ceremony, Murray admitted discomfort. “I prefer the spotlight being on my students,” he explained.  “But I’ve been around a long time and it’s great to be recognized for my work.”

Murray last week took Rio Americano’s Charles Mingus ensemble to a New York festival named for the famous composer.  “I’ve lost count of how many bands I’ve taken to festivals over the years,” he mused.  “But they always shine.” 

Last week was no exception.  From among nationwide schools, the 2026 Rio Americano group dominated contest results. Rio's medal-count included Best Combo and the Mingus Spirit Award. 

Individual students were rewarded for saxophone-playing, music arranging and lyrics. Carmichael 17-year-old Madison Kate was deemed the festival’s “Outstanding Vocalist” and earned a $50,000 scholarship to study in New York.

“Rio really cleaned up,” summarized their band director. “I couldn’t be prouder of them.”

During 28 years at Rio, the New York native has nurtured a ton of talent. Yvonne Au’s three sons bolstered school bands during this tenure.

“The Au family has done as much for local jazz education as anyone alive,” Murray said. “It was an honor to get an award dedicated to Yvonne.”

Beyond Murray’s appreciation, Yvonne Au received accolades from the Jazz Education Foundation. After originating and coordinating the Teagarden Festival for 20 years, she will step back this year. Her role will be filled by former Rio Americano parent, Erin Treadwell.

Rio Americano High School band director Josh Murray accepts a Sacramento Jazz Foundation award at Sacramento State University. Teagarden Jazz Festival organizer Yvonne Au (right) is also honored for 20 years of service to the annual event. Jazz Foundation President Nancy Parker joins the honorees.

A retired medical social worker, Yvonne is mom to powerhouse horn players Gordon, Justin and Brandon Au. Husband Dr Bill Au has played trombone in trad-jazz bands for decades.

“I’ve always loved surrounding myself with brass players,” laughed Yvonne.  “My two brothers play trombone. One -- Howard Miyata -- gave my sons their first instruments.”

Dedicated to giving back, the Au family is a cornerstone of Sacramento music. Neurologist Bill Au has led the Jazz Education Foundation for most of its 30-year existence. Sponsoring a festival was Yvonne’s idea.

“We attended many competitive events with our sons,” she recalled. “We felt the emphasis on band-ranking sometimes deflected from the joy of performance. For our second Teagarden festival, we decided we would not rank bands. Every musician could enjoy and learn. We’ve kept our registration fees affordable and subsidized groups with financial need.”

With top clinicians and a prestigious university venue, the February gathering draws hundreds of students, families and jazz fans.  The Foundation awards more than $15,000 towards private lessons and scholarships for promising students.

“Thanks to Yvonne, Sacramento has the only scholastic festival dedicated to traditional jazz in the nation,” said Foundation president Nancy Parker. “We renamed our education award to applaud the woman who conceived the honor and started our festival. Going forward, we want everybody to be inspired by Yvonne’s passion.”

Learn about the Sacramento Jazz Education Foundation at www.sacjef.org