Soloists and ensembles from Washington State University received the lion’s share of awards on “College Day” at the Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival held Feb. 26th at the University of Idaho.
Awards were received in instrumental and vocal solos, composition, large ensembles, and combos.
Soloist winners include Matt Reid, trumpet; Rachel Bade, soprano voice; andDavid Snider, bass. All received special prizes and performed at the festival’s Thursday evening concert.
Ryan Jesperson won best vocal composition and best instrumental composition. He received festival trophies.
The following WSU ensembles also won awards: 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.
“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.” said Greg Yasinitsky, coordinator of jazz studies.
