Congratulations to the student musicians in the jazz program from South High School in Downers Grove for an outstanding showing at the 2017 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 from South High School 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, 22 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 “Judges Award ” for their room, meaning they were noticed by the judging panel for a particularly high level of sonic artistry during their performance. Additionally, senior Dan Piccoli earned a ½ scholarship to the Indiana University Summer Music Clinic 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 and have them represent our learning community in such a professional manner.”
Photos and videos, archived on the Mustang Band Booster Web Site by Mr. Brandt, can be located by CLICKING HERE.
Photos and videos, archived on the Mustang Band Booster Web Site by Mr. Brandt, can be located by CLICKING HERE.
Piller Chamber Ensemble – Division I Rating
Outstanding Soloist Awards: Gabe Coughlin, bass; Bella Kelly, violin; Matt Laczynski, trombone; Brian Piller, tenor saxophone; Erik Seelander, trumpet
Piccoli Chamber Ensemble – Division I Rating and Judges Award
Outstanding Soloist Awards: Jesse Knight, bass; Andrew Pawelczyk, drums; Dan Piccoli – saxophones; Adam Zlotnicki, trumpet; Named as a top student soloist in the room for the day, Dan Piccoli earned a ½ Scholarship to the Indiana University Summer Music Clinic.
Jazz Ensemble – Division I Rating
Outstanding Soloist Awards: Allie Brandt; clarinet; Jesse Knight, bass; Dan Piccoli – alto saxophone; Brian Piller, tenor saxophone; Adam Zlotnicki, trumpet;
Jazz Workshop – Division I Rating
Outstanding Soloist Awards – Blake Cassani, alto saxophone; Kyle Kotula, trombone; Nate Luczak, trombone.
Jazz Lab Band – Division I Rating
Outstanding Soloist Awards: Matt Campbell, tenor saxophone; Agne Giedraityte, piano; Sam Guagliardo, trumpet; Harry Kamitani, violin; Isaac Rutledge, alto saxophone;
