Congratulations to the student musicians in the jazz program from South High School in Downers Grove for an outstanding showing at the 2020 Purdue Jazz Festival. Three big bands and one chamber ensemble performed and competed with more than 80 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.
Thanks to the Mustang Band Boosters and the parent chaperone team from the 2020 Purdue Jazz Festival for helping to make this trip such a success for the student musicians.
Jazz Workshop, Jazz Lab Band, Jazz Ensemble and Jazz Combo all earned Division I ratings from their respective judging panels.
Jazz Workshop earned an Outstanding Performance Citation, finishing second place their performance room. Vocalist/drummer Henry Johnson was selected by the judges as an Outstanding Musician for the day in the same performance room.
Additionally, the following students were cited by the judging panels as Outstanding Soloists/Musicians for their performances:
Kenny Cramer, baritone saxophone
Agne Giedraityte, vocals
Henry Johnson, vocals/drums
Michael Joseph, alto saxophone
Jake Messina, trombone
Stephen Nicholson, bass
Tony Raso, guitar
Luke Schwab, tenor saxophone
Evan Sumida, alto saxophone
Nathan Wiechec, trombone (2)
Thanks to the Mustang Band Boosters and the parent chaperone team from the 2020 Purdue Jazz Festival for helping to make this trip such a success for the student musicians.
Jazz Workshop, Jazz Lab Band, Jazz Ensemble and Jazz Combo all earned Division I ratings from their respective judging panels.
Jazz Workshop earned an Outstanding Performance Citation, finishing second place their performance room. Vocalist/drummer Henry Johnson was selected by the judges as an Outstanding Musician for the day in the same performance room.
Additionally, the following students were cited by the judging panels as Outstanding Soloists/Musicians for their performances:
Kenny Cramer, baritone saxophone
Agne Giedraityte, vocals
Henry Johnson, vocals/drums
Michael Joseph, alto saxophone
Jake Messina, trombone
Stephen Nicholson, bass
Tony Raso, guitar
Luke Schwab, tenor saxophone
Evan Sumida, alto saxophone
Nathan Wiechec, trombone (2)
“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 and have them represent our learning community in such a professional manner.”
More videos and photos are archived on the Mustang Band Boosters web site. Thanks to Mr. Robert Brandt for capturing and archiving these moments.
More videos and photos are archived on the Mustang Band Boosters web site. Thanks to Mr. Robert Brandt for capturing and archiving these moments.
