BHSN Dominates at the Purdue Jazz Fest

Congratulations to ALL of our student jazz musicians for their stellar performances at the 25th Annual Purdue Jazz Festival!

Advanced Jazz was named Honor Band in their hall, Studio Jazz was named Runner-Up in their hall, Combo #1 was the Honor Combo in the top combo room with Combo #2 finishing 3rd in that same room, and Combo #3 was the Honor Combo in the other combo room. But the Advanced Jazz performance was really one of the most memorable in our school’s history.

Combo #1: Aaron Mutchler (trumpet/piano), Matthew Waterman (trombone/piano), Patrick Wailes (saxophone), Alex Valdez (bass), Chris Parker (drums).

Combo #2: Patrick Wailes (saxophone), Connor Starks (trumpet/vocals), Chelsea Campbell (piano), Nicholas Ford (guitar), Aidan Lippke (bass), Nick May (drums).

Combo #3: Chris Parker (euphonium/trombone/drums), Matthew Waterman (trombone), Aaron Mutchler (piano), Alex Valdez (bass).

Chris Parker was named a TOP soloist in 3 different performance venues, on 3 different instruments (drums, saxophone, euphonium).

Aaron Mutchler was named a TOP soloist in 2 different performance venues, on 2 different instruments (piano, trumpet), and Miles Main was named a TOP soloist in the Studio Jazz venue.

These three young men were given plaques and summer music scholarships. Other Soloists earning Soloist Plaques and scholarships included Alex Valdez and Patrick Wailes.

In addtion, the following students were presented with Outstanding Soloist Awards: Matt Waterman (x3), Chelsea Campbell, Connor Starks (x2), Nicholas Ford, Patrick Wailes (x2), Nathan Kenshur, Carl Tafoya, William Powell, Wesley Oliver, Katie Heishman, Ed Lockwood, and Walter Friesel.

These results from just one school are truly a noteworthy achievement, as there were some 91 participating bands and combos at this year’s festival. Again, a HUGE congratulations to our jazz students!!

(A few pictures are in the online album. If anyone has more, please send them to info at bhsnbands.com)