PULLMAN, Wash. — Soloists and ensembles from Washington State University received the lion’s share of awards on “College Day” at the Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival held at
the University of Idaho yesterday (Feb. 26).
Awards were received in virtually all categories, including instrumental and vocal solos, composition, large ensembles and combos.
Soloist winners include Matt Reid, trumpet; Rachel Bade, soprano voice; and David Snider, bass. All received special prizes and performed on the festival’s Thursday evening concert.
Ryan Jesperson was the winner in two composition categories, best vocal composition and best instrumental composition. He received festival trophies.
Ensembles from WSU were also award winners. The Jazz Big Band, under the direction of Greg Yasinitsky, was first runner-up; VOJAZZ (vocal jazz ensemble), under the direction of Jennifer Scovell, was first runner-up; the WSU Sextet, under the direction of Horace-Alexander Young, was first runner-up; and the WSU Trio, also directed by Young, was second runner-up. These ensembles were awarded festival trophies.
Coordinator of jazz studies, Yasinitsky said, “It has become something of a tradition for WSU to receive so many awards at the Hampton Festival. This is a great tribute to our excellent students and the fine work done by my faculty colleagues in the WSU School of Music
