DGS Jazz Bands excel at Purdue Jazz Fest

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.

More information, including additional photos and video, is available at www.dgsbandboosters.com.