Four jazz performing groups from South High School in Downers Grove performed and competed at the 2012 Purdue University Jazz Festival in West Lafayette, Indiana on Saturday, January 21, 2012. The Jazz Ensemble, 7:00 AM Combo and 3:30 PM Combo all earned Division I ratings, Jazz Lab Band earned a Division II rating. The 3:30 PM Combo earned "Oustanding Performance" citation from the judges, placing 2nd in their room.
Junior pianist Ian Williams was chosen by the judges as the Outstanding Soloist in the West Faculty Lounge performance site. Senior alto saxophonist Michael Ruth earned special praise from the juding panel, earning a 1/2 tuition scholarship to the Jamey Aebersold Summer Jazz Camp and a 1/2 tuition scholarship to the University of Indianapolis Summer Combo Camp.
In addition to the judges praise for the ensembles, 18 students musicians earned 28 outstanding soloists/musicians based on their performance during the day:
Carmy Calabria - drums (2)
Matt Glad - piano
Joe Hughes - bass trombone
Sean Hux - tenor saxophone
Billy Moroney - tenor saxophone
Brian Moroney - drums
Joe Perillo - drums
Mark Plantz - drums
Chris Reusz - alto saxophone (2)
Mike Ruth - alto saxophone (2)
Emily Rzeszutko - trumpet
John Shimanek - trumpet (2)
Christian Siki - alto saxophone (2)
Tommy Stepp - guitar
Ian Williams - piano (3)
Josiah Williams - trombone
Michal Witek - guitar (2)
Julia Wood - bass (3)
"We are extremely proud of these student musicians and how they represent the learning community at South High School at such a prestigious event." said department chairman Glenn Williams. For more information about jazz at South High School, contact Glenn Williams at gwilliams@csd99.org.
