CLARK COLLEGE JAZZ STUDENTS RECEIVE TOP HONORS

For the third time, the Clark College Jazz Ensemble demonstrated the excellence for which Clark is known as they distinguished themselves among the other colleges and universities representing seven states, at the 2016 University of Northern Colorado/Greeley Jazz Festival held April 21 through 23, 2016.  This year, eight Clark College Jazz Ensemble students received Special Citation for Outstanding Musicianship awards, recognized from the 8000 festival participants.  The Clark students who received awards were:

• Mattias Tyni – trumpet
• Keith Cheek – tenor saxophone
• Anna James – tenor saxophone
• James Powers – trombone
• Jenny Baird – trombone
• Hayden Lilak – bass
• Josh Gonzales – drums
• Sam Niborg – drums

In addition to performing for adjudication and clinic from internationally recognized jazz educators, Clark students also had the opportunity to listen to performances, workshops, and panel discussions presented by luminaries in the field of jazz including the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra, Houston Person, Joey DeFrancesco, and legendary jazz royalty, Ellis Marsalis.

James Powers, seen below with bassist and leader of the Clayton-Hamilton Orchestra, John Clayton, and Clark student Keith Cheek, reflects on how this experience enhanced his education at Clark.  “The experience of visiting the Greeley Jazz Festival this year was exhilarating. It has been said that it can be disappointing to meet one’s heroes, but I can say that that is not always the case. When speaking with some of the learned men of music, I was greeted with humility and kindness. Just as important as the uplifting musical performances, was the realization that these performers were all just regular people who have just practiced more than I have. Overall I would say that as a result of attending the festivities, I have come to several inspiring and informative conclusions about the nature of my craft, and I believe the same can said for my fellow band members.”

Members of the Clark Jazz Ensemble saxophone section get a picture with iconic saxophonist, Houston Person.

Jazz Ensemble Director, Rich Inouye, could not have been more proud of the band’s performance at the festival.  “Many times you work so hard for something like this and when you perform, little mistakes pop up here and there, but this year’s performance at the festival was pure perfection and I hope the Clark College community recognizes the work our band students put in to help Clark achieve this distinction.  People in the audience shared with me how surprised they were when they found out we were a two-year college!  It’s good that the Music Department can represent Clark academic distinction at the national level along with programs such as STEM, Speech and Debate, and Journalism.”

To learn more, visit www.clark.edu