The Lincoln-Way North High School Jazz Ensemble made school history last month, receiving a Division I rating at the prestigious Jazz in the Meadows competition.
“This really puts us on the map in the jazz world,” said Bert Johnson, music department chair at Lincoln-Way North High School.
More than 100 jazz ensembles from across the Midwest participated in the event on Feb. 26. It is considered the largest high school jazz event/competition in the Midwest.
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Students are treated to great music and clinics. At the end of the day, a featured jazz group or artist headlines the day with a grand finale performance.
Lincoln-Way North’s Jazz Ensemble, under the direction of Kirk Hickman, received a Division I rating at the event – the first ever for Lincoln-Way North.
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“I'm overwhelmed by the accomplishments and achievements of these kids,” said music instructor Kirk Hickman. “Three years ago when we started the jazz ensemble, it was our current juniors and seniors who bought in and started working hard. Now to see them confidently performing everything we've been talking about, and doing it so well, it just makes me so proud of them."
The Jazz Ensemble includes 20 Lincoln-Way North musicians – Nicole Baker, Kerrie Coughlin, Val Delcourt, Liz Paschka and Kevin Toman on Sax; Taylor Beekman, Brie Labriola, Chris Liva, Drake Sands and David Smith on trumpet; TJ Gaertig and Derek Yahnke on trombone; Anna D’Amore and Aubrey Grabenhofer on piano; Valeri Hooper on vibes; Eli Ramirez on guitar; Joshua Turner and Mike Faloona on bass; and Adam Gorz and David Williams on drums.
“At Jazz in the Meadows, I knew we had some tough competition from nationally recognized groups in our room, but I just wanted them to get out and play at a very established competition,” said Hickman. “I didn't expect us to receive such positive feedback. When I got our envelope with our results, I was in disbelief, and couldn't wait to share it with the kids. Most of all, I'm happy to see these kids get recognition for their work across so many rehearsals, concerts, and practices. Jazz is something that meant so much to me as a high school and college musician; it's emotional for me to see LWN kids doing so well playing it.”
The group will compete next at the Essentially Ellington Regional on April 16 at Michigan State University. It will also perform at the Lincoln-Way North Music Boosters’ Fish Fry on March 25 and April 8 at Lincoln-Way North High School, 19900 S. Harlem Ave., Frankfort.
Each Fish Fry begins at 5 p.m. and ends at 8 p.m. Tickets are $10 each and may be purchased at the door.
Proceeds will benefit the music programs at Lincoln-Way North High School.
