Pinedale Jazz groups attend Kinser Jazz Festival at Casper College
by Sublette County School District #1
February 14, 2010
The Pinedale Jazz Band and Jazz Choir traveled to Casper College to participate in the 43rd annual Kinser Jazz Festival. The band performed four tunes for their judges and were rated on their performances both individually and as a group. The choir performed three songs and was adjudicated for comments only.
The jazz band was adjudicated by Dave Stamps who is an Associate Professor of Jazz Studies at the University of Northern Colorado – Greeley. He has performed jazz throughout the world accompanying artists such as Rufus Reid, Randy Brecker and Chick Corea to mention a few. Mr. Stamps worked with the band in a workshop/clinic after their performance. Also adjudicating the bands was Steve Kovalcheck who teaches jazz improvisation and jazz history at the University of Northern Colorado. He also directs several jazz ensembles and performs throughout the Denver area. The band received a I rating from one judge and a II rating from the other – which equates to about an A and a B on a grading scale. The Pinedale band again featured many jazz improvisation solos. All did really well but three were singled out for Outstanding Solo Awards. They were Kodee Williams – tenor sax, Garett George – guitar and Jayne Thompson – trumpet.
The choir was critiqued by Kim Dawson. She is a member of the internationally known jazz a cappella group Groove Society and has performed, taught clinics and adjudicated at jazz festivals around the country. She is now a freelance musician and voice teacher in the Denver area. Ms. Dawson worked with the Pinedale students on stage after their performance. Suzanne Morrison was the other vocal adjudicator. Suzanne, a Powell, Wyoming native worked with the Pinedale Jazz Choir in a half hour clinic/workshop after their performance. Ms. Morrison is a private voice instructor and professional vocalist in the Denver area. She currently plays with the Denver based choir Kantorei and several regional big bands. On Tuesday night the jazz choir attended a concert put on by the Wyoming All-State Jazz Choir and the professional performing group Take 6.
The Pinedale jazz groups did a fine job representing our community and school at this festival. There were over 60 groups attending this festival this year from all over the state.
These groups will continue participating at various jazz festivals and concerts throughout the Rocky Mountain region beginning with the Northwest Jazz Festival on March 18-19, then performing at District Festival April 16 in Evanston, the jazz band will travel to the UNC/Greeley Jazz Festival April 22-23, both groups will play at their home Spring Jazz Concert April 27th, before finishing up with Senior Fundraiser at the school cafeteria May 6th.
Jazz Choir vocalists were Hattie McKay, Emily Sikorski, Ryan Rohlfs, Matazie Brewer, Jordyn Baker, Anna Scheevel, Kyle Mivshek, Jennifer Pape, Ashlee Anderson, Christina Silvey, Shane Adams, Vanessa Rugh, Kristy Brandewie, Aubrie Doyle, Brielle Buchanan, and Loni Wells. They are under the direction of Gena Anderson and accompanied by Lynda Silvey.
Jazz Band I performers were Lizzy Cooney, Andi Noble, Kelli Terrell, Maggie Hudlow, Kodee Williams, Shawn Butner, JoLee Springman, Jake Brunette, Casey Terrell, Will Nelson, Landon Daniel, John Cooney, Jayne Thompson, Gus Holz, Caitlin Tan, Jordanne Steege, Jared Attanasio, Harley Estrada, Garett George, Josh Abel, and Niko Kolis. The jazz band is under the direction of R. Craig Sheppard.
We cannot forget the other adults that made this trip possible. Ray Sanborn and John Overgaag – bus drivers and Des Brunette – chaperone.
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