WSU receives top awards at Lionel Hampton Festival
PULLMAN — Students from the WSU Jazz Studies Program received top awards at “College Day” at the 2009 Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival held Thursday, Feb. 26, at the University of Idaho.
Receiving “Adjudicators’ Choice” awards—presented to the best ensembles in their divisions—were the WSU Jazz Big Band directed by Greg Yasinitsky, Regents Professor, and WSU VOJAZZ (vocal ensemble) directed by Kathleen Hollingsworth, in her first year as a School of Music faculty member. Also receiving an Adjudicators’ Choice award was WSU bassist Matt Grimes who was invited with other top soloists of the day to perform at “Hamp’s Club,” a jazz club-like setting, prior to the Thursday evening concert.
The Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival is one of the largest international events of its kind. More than 70 vocal and instrumental groups, combos and soloists competed on College Day.
Yasinitsky, WSU Coordinator of Jazz Studies said: “It has become a tradition for WSU students to be among the top award winners at the Hampton Festival. I am proud of our outstanding students and proud of our fine jazz studies faculty.”
