SWHS ensemble places first at jazz festival | NOTABLE

The South Whidbey High School Jazz Ensemble recently won first place in AA Division of the 54th annual Clark College Jazz Festival.

February 9, 2016 6:05 pm
South Whidbey High School Jazz Ensemble won first place in the AA Division of the 54th annual Clark College Jazz Festival
South Whidbey High School Jazz Ensemble won first place in the AA Division of the 54th annual Clark College Jazz Festival

The South Whidbey High School Jazz Ensemble recently won first place in AA Division of the 54th annual Clark College Jazz Festival. The competition took place over three days in Vancouver, WA. Hockinson High School came in second, while Mead High School came in third.

The ensemble is directed by Chris Harshman. The ensemble consists of students Mara Bush, Collin Burns, Alec Chinnery, Nick Simmons, Jason Li, Amelia Hensler, Joe Ballestrasse, Cat Ballestrasse, Kari Hustad, Annika Hustad, Tesla Dussault, Sean Miles, Liam Twomey, Annie Saltee, Carli Newman, Katy Jordan, and Chloe Hood.

Twomey, a trombonist, earned an outstanding high school musician award.

The festival attracted over 60 middle and high school jazz ensembles.