Michael Philip Mossman to commission tune for WG Jazz I

Ladies and gentlemen, Michael and I are in the final stages of preparation for the late 2008 release of his commissioned piece for Jazz I. The piece is likely to be in an afro-cuban or boogaloo style (or both) and will feature our outstanding trombone section. It will also be released in 2009 as a Hal Leonard publication. Commissioning a piece is an extremely important event in any program, and I am proud to have such a magnificent writer as Michael working with us!

Jazz I auditions

2008-2009 Jazz I auditions will take place in the high school bandroom on Wednesday night, May 21 at 6:30PM. Audition packets will be made available at Hixson Middle and WGHS on the afternoon of Friday, May 2nd. The 2008-2009 roster will be announced on Friday, May 23.

WG Jazz I at Art and Air 6PM!

Ladies and gentlemen, WGHS JAZZ I will be performing at Webster's Art and Air Festival on Saturday, June 7 from 6:00 to 7:30PM. This is a change from before...We will also be joined by several alumni all-stars! Mark your calendars!

Webster students enjoy clinic with Cyrus Chestnut

Jazz St. Louis was kind enough to supply us with another fine clinician today; Pianist Cyrus Chestnut and his trio. Dozens of students enjoyed a performance by the trio, followed by a clinic session with WG Jazz Combo 1.

That makes our current tally of professionals with whom WG Jazz students have worked this year to:

US Airmen of Note
Esperanza Spaulding
Delfeayo Marsalis
Chip McNeill
Michael Philip Mossmann
Tim Warfield
Dana Hall
Phil Palombi
Cyrus Chestnut Trio

Thanks to all those who have helped make these clinics possible. The influence on our students is immeasurable.

Jazz in the Meadows-combo champions!

Here are some of the results from Jazz in the Meadows:

Jazz I performed extremely well, and rankings have yet to be determined.

Combo II received high marks in the non-competitive class.

Combo I was honored as small combo champions for the second time in three years!

Blake Deibel was selected as the outstanding soloist in the small combo division.

Congratulations to ALL students who attended JITM. I hope everyone had a great time.

Metro East Jazz Festival Grand Champions

Webster Groves Jazz I took 'Grand Champion' honors at the Metro East Jazz festival in Belleville on Feb. 16.

Blake Deibel was selected 'top soloist.'

Combo 1 was selected as the top combo of the day.

Jazz II received 2nd place in their class.

Congratulations to all students, and thanks for a great day.

Chicago trip

Folks, here is the info on the Chicago trip. I've tried twice with no success to get through on the listserv...

please notice the SLIGHT change in call time on Friday due to inclement weather.

IF WE HAVE SCHOOL, students should most certainly go to school and report to the bandroom AFTER their first class.

Friday, Feb. 22

10:00AM depart WGHS
1:00PM lunch in Bloomington-Normal
2:00 head to Schaumburg
5:00 arrive Springhill Suites, Schaumburg
5:30 eat dinner, likely at Woodfield Mall
7:00 head to Hammerschmidt Chapel, Elmhurst College
7:30 jazz concert featuring Gary Smulyan, bari sax; Jiggs Whigham, trombone; Dennis Mackrel, drums.

Saturday, Feb 23
all day at Rolling Meadows High School-Jazz in the Meadows Fest.
11:30 combo 2
2:00 Jazz I
3:30 combo I
5:00PM finals
7:00 awards
8:30 dinner at Lou Malnati's, Elk Grove Village

Sunday, Feb 24
9:00AM depart Schaumburg
2:30PM arrive WGHS

All students are encouraged to wear the hoodies, and PERFORMERS should wear all black for Saturday.

Students will be responsible for FOUR meals-Friday lunch and dinner, Saturday lunch, and Sunday lunch.