Pinedale Jazz groups attend Kinser Jazz Festival at Casper College
by Sublette County School District #1
February 21, 2011
The Pinedale Jazz Band and Jazz Choir traveled to Casper College to participate in the 44th 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 Dr. John Davis who is the Director of Jazz Studies at Colorado University in Boulder, Colorado. He also worked with the band in a workshop/clinic after their performance. Also adjudicating the bands was Tyler Gilmore. He is a composer, conductor and performer based out of Denver. The band received a I rating from one judge and a II+ rating from the other judge – 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 one was singled out for Outstanding Solo Award. She was Maggie Hudlow on tenor sax.
The choir was critiqued by Kelsey Shiba. She performs professionally with Bands TC and the Domestic Engineers. She is now the Managing Producer of the UNC/Greeley Jazz festival. Ms. Shiba worked with the Pinedale students in a half hour clinic/workshop after their performance. Ayo Awosika was the other vocal adjudicator. She is an American artist with a heritage rooted in West Africa. Ayo worked with the Pinedale students on stage following their performance. On Tuesday night the jazz choir attended a concert put on by the Wyoming All-State Jazz Band and the professional performing group the Yellow Jackets.
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 23-25, then performing at District Festival April 14 in Star Valley, their home Spring Jazz Concert April 26th, followed by the jazz band traveling to the UNC/Greeley Jazz Festival April 28-29, before finishing up with both groups performing at the Senior Fundraiser May 5th.
Jazz Choir vocalists were Hattie McKay, Ashlee Anderson, Christina Silvey, Vanessa Rugh, Kristy Brandewie, Brielle Buchanan, Aubrie Doyle, Bekah Knapp, Jordyn Baker, Abi Moller, Madie Dugan and Baylee Buchanan. They are under the direction of Gena Anderson and accompanied by Lynda Silvey.
Jazz Band I performers were Andi Noble, Kelli Terrell, Maggie Hudlow, Calvin Makelky, Shawn Butner, JoLee Springman, Aunders Hallsten, Will Nelson, Kodee Williams, Blaine Mathews, Chris Waldrep, John Cooney, Ali Wadsworth, Gus Holz, Caitlin Tan, Jared Attanasio, Tyler Cloyd, 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.
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