Jazz Festivals

On Saturday, January 23rd, our jazz programs all competed in a jazz festival, albeit a few hundred miles away. It was a very successful weekend indeed, as all three jazz ensembles performed well and received some great clinics and heard some great live music. 

The Jazz Ensemble 1 went to the Purdue Jazz Festival in West Lafayette, Indiana. On Friday night, we saw the fabulous all woman jazz band DIVA in concert, with their fantastic leader and drummer, Sherri Maricle. 

On Saturday, the band performed two Duke Ellington songs and a Latin arrangement of the Beatles' "Eleanor Rigby". The band received 2 Division 1 ratings and one Division 2. Outstanding soloist awards were given to Matt DeGarmo, Nick Wilkins, Adam Hansen, and Danny Anderson. Following the performance, the band received a clinic, and attended several masterclasses. A highlight of the day was the Purdue Jazz Ensemble, with special guests Rob Parton on trumpet and Conrad Herwig and trombone.

The Jazz Ensemble 2's went to the NorthShore Jazz Fest at Glenbrook South High School. Both Jazz Ensembles received straight Division 1's across the board, with the Blue Jazz getting 6th place, and the Orange Jazz tying for 9th. The clinics they received were extremely helpful in their development as young jazz musicians.