Mundelein High School’s Jazz Ensemble was recently recognized as the Honor Band in the large high school big band division at the 30th Annual Purdue Jazz Festival held earlier this month. In addition, Garrett Munz, senior alto saxophonist at MHS, was recognized as Best Soloist in the same class. Munz is planning to continue his studies and performances at the college level next year.
“I really can’t see myself doing anything other than jazz studies. I love the music so much and to go to school and immerse myself in it sounds like a dream,” he said.
More than 110 jazz bands from middle and high schools from across the Midwest were selected to compete in this event. Throughout the three-day festival, student musicians and the public were able to work with and learn from nationally renowned artists. The international all-star jazz group, ARTEMIS, was the Friday evening headliner concert Jan. 17. Artist-in-residence, Mark Buselli, was featured Jan. 18 in concert with the Purdue Jazz Band which included appearances by Tia Fuller and Aubrey Logan.
Public performances coming up …
The Mundelein High School Jazz Ensemble was selected to perform at the 2020 Illinois Music Education Conference that will take place Jan. 29 through Feb. 1 in Peoria, IL.
“This is a great honor only provided to a handful of high school jazz bands in the state of Illinois,” said Andy Sturgeon who directs the instrumental music program at MHS along with Jerald Shelato.
The MHS Jazz Ensemble will give a preview concert of their music Sunday, Jan. 26, at 5:30 p.m. in the Calvin Durand Hall at the Mohr Student Center of Lake Forest College. “We encourage people to attend this free evening of music,” Sturgeon advised.
Both the Libertyville High School and Mundelein High School jazz ensembles will perform.