Congratulations
to the student musicians in the jazz program from South High School in Downers
Grove for an outstanding showing at the 2016 Purdue Jazz Festival. Three
big bands and two chamber ensembles performed and competed with more than 100
high school ensembles from five states in the Midwest. In addition to receiving a score from the
panel of adjudicators in each room, each group received real time formative
feedback from each judge in an audio recording.
Having a set of unbiased, professional judges provide a formative “sonic
snapshot” is essential to the continuing growth of both individual students and
the ensembles.
Each
ensemble received a Division I rating from the panel of judges. This is the highest possible rating on the
scoring rubric. In addition to the outstanding
ensemble performances, 24 students were recognized by the panel of judges for
displaying outstanding musicianship either in improvised solos or in their
ensemble playing.
The Piccoli
Chamber Ensemble earned “Outstanding Performance” for their room, meaning they
were one of the top two ensembles for the day.
Additionally, junior Dan Piccoli earned a ½ scholarship to the Jamey
Aebersold Summer Jazz Camp for being selected as one of the top soloists in the
entire room for the day.
“We are
proud of these student musicians for their dedication to individual and group
excellence in jazz performance.” said director Glenn Williams. “On and off the stage this student musicians
represented our school and community in the finest possible manner. I’m fiercely proud to travel with these students.”
Piller
Chamber Ensemble – Division I Rating
Outstanding Soloist Awards: Matt Laczynski, trombone; Brian Piller, tenor
saxophone; Brianna Imgruet, trumpet; Tiffany Wang, drums;
Piccoli Chamber
Ensemble – Division I Rating and
Outstanding Performance Award
Outstanding Soloist Awards: Michael Tegeler – trombone; Dan Piccoli –
saxophones; Anthony Calabria – trumpet. Named as the top student soloist in the room
for the day, Dan Piccoli earned a ½ Scholarship to the Jamey Aebersold Summer
Jazz Camp.
Jazz
Ensemble – Division I Rating
Outstanding Soloist Awards: Jesse Knight, bass; Adam Zlotnicki, trumpet; Michael Tegeler,
trombone; Matt Laczynski, trombone;
Kristina Mucha, clarinet; Gabrielle Henderson, vocals; Dan Piccoli –
alto saxophone; Brianna Imgruet, trumpet.
Jazz
Workshop – Division I Rating
Outstanding Soloist Awards – Harry Kamutani,
drums; O’Shay Jackson, baritone
saxophone; Alyssa Gawron, trumpet; Carson Aldrich, trombone; Isaac Rutledge,
alto saxophone; Joe Daniele, trombone.
Jazz
Lab Band – Division I Rating
Outstanding Soloist Awards: Tessa Lawler, baritone saxophone; Bella
Kelly, violin; CJ Nortier, alto saxophone; Myles Henderson, piano;
