Who rocked the house at the Lionel Hampton International Jazz Festival in Idaho? The students of South Whidbey, of course.

Congratulations are in order for both the high school and middle school jazz ensembles for their outstanding performances the last weekend in February at the 40th Lionel Hampton International Jazz Festival in Moscow, Idaho.

SWHS won first place in their division and LMS came in third in the Junior “Open Class” division as more than 10,000 students from seven states and three Canadian provinces competed for top honors. The day’s activities featured more than 375 high school and secondary school bands, combos and soloists. The groups performed for discerning judges in various categories to earn recognition.

Band leader Matt Frost directs the middle school band and Chris Harshman is in charge of the high school program.

High school bands and combos were featured on the final day of student performances and in regards to the South Whidbey High School jazz players the judges were exuberant.

“You blew this room away today,” said one judge. “This band is a contender and can compete with any of the best jazz bands here,” said another judge.

The high schoolers did indeed prove their prowess. As the winner of the Single A division, the SWHS Jazz Ensemble was invited to perform for the “Outstanding Young Artists Concert” which took place later that day and showcased the top bands of the day. It was a concert for an audience of 4,000. This late afternoon concert displayed the exuberance of the students and showcased amazing, emerging talent.

Gabe Harshman, who plays the trumpet, was overwhelmed by the reaction of the large crowd.

“Playing on that stage was an amazing feeling. There are cameras all around; it’s all in the moment,” he said. We were playing a Duke Ellington tune and the audience actually started cheering for us right in the middle.”

Matt Idso plays tenor saxophone and was equally impressed by the whole experience.

“It was the best trip I’ve ever been on with the band. Even traveling with the middle schoolers was great. And the combo (a five student ensemble competing in an additional category) did this unbelievable jam on stage. It was like watching them have a conversation with music,” Idso said.

As one judge put it, “I love everything you are doing: great choice of music, excellent control and you really blow your horns!”

The Langley Middle School band members were beaming with pride for their own hard work and award, but were equally excited by the accolades their older counterparts received.

“The winners concert is really cool because you get to see the other bands

perform a tune on the big stage…like the high school. It’s seems gratifying after all the hard work it takes to play at that level,” said Lucy Vollbrecht, a middle school band member.

Eighth grader Evan Mattens was equally impressed. “Thanks to Mr. Frost for all his hard work in helping us get 3rd and congratulations to the High School Jazz Band for winning their division,” he said.

The prospect of competing in such a large competition had all the musicians working their hardest for months before the event.

Frost asked some of his band members about the experience of preparing for such a large gig.

“Rehearsing is the best part of playing because a lot is asked of us and it’s where we develop, which leads to our success,” said Aren Mattens, another eighth grader.

“After the day was over I was exhausted, but have never been more inspired,” said Vollbrecht. Although it was very busy it provided me with some great opportunities to listen to some awesome players.”

In addition to their recent kudos at the Lionel Hampton International Jazz Festival, South Whidbey has yet another reason to be proud of these artists who continually reach milestones and move on to the next level.

For the second year, Daniel Shafer, trumpet, and Gillian Poss, oboe, were invited to perform with the All State/All Northwest Music Ensembles. Participation is by recorded audition. They were chosen from hundreds of entries representing six states.

Congratulations are well deserved for Shafer and Poss and all of Langley’s young jazz ensemble members.

These talented high school musicians will travel again the last week in April to Reno, Nev. for another jazz festival. They will also be presenting an evening of jazz for South Whidbey audiences at their April 20 performance of “Swing Into Spring.” Look for more info on these events in an upcoming feature on the jazz program in The Record.

Catch them at 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 20, performing with the choir, wind ensemble and the concert band at the high school auditorium.