Congratulations to the student musicians in the South High School Jazz Ensemble, Jazz Workshop and Jazz Combo, and their directors Craig Roselieb and Greg Hensel for their recent performance at the 2014 Illinois State University Invitational Jazz Festival. In addition to participating in clinics, master classes and performing for adjudicator feedback, the students listened to jazz great Dave Pietro perform with the ISU Jazz Ensemble. Several DGS alums were performing with the ISU Jazz Ensemble on the concert.
21 ensembles from 11 schools performed during the course of the festival. The Jazz Ensemble, Jazz Workshop and Jazz Combo all earned top honors in their respective divisions. Senior John Shimanek, trumpet, and junior Sam Tedeschi were recognized by the judges as Outstanding Soloists for the festival. Additionally, the Jazz Ensemble was named "Grand Champion" of the event, earning the opportunity to open for the ISU Jazz Ensemble on the evening grand finale concert. "We are extremely proud of these student musicians and their dedication to jazz performance excellence."
