By Elisabeth Zarnoti '17

In their second year of participation in the Louisville Jazz Festival, members of the Knox Jazz Ensemble (pictured above) and Cherry Street Combo were recognized with several honors.

“When professional musicians recognize a student's excellence in performance, the student is receiving unbiased response to their work from an expert's perspective. That is tremendously meaningful, and offers great encouragement for students,” said Nikki Malley, associate professor of music and director of jazz studies at Knox.

Seven student musicians won individual soloist awards for their performances:

• Brian Tanaka (drums), Jazz Ensemble and Cherry Street Combo
• Mike Supej (trombone), Jazz Ensemble and Cherry Street Combo
• Scott Suiter (bass), Cherry Street Combo
• Kyle Kunkler (piano), Jazz Ensemble and Cherry Street Combo
• Stephanie Hawes (alto saxophone/flute), Jazz Ensemble and Cherry Street Combo
• Kailee Gawlik (trumpet), Jazz Ensemble and Cherry Street Combo
• Till Schulz (guitar), Jazz Ensemble

Stephanie Hawes was one of four musicians to receive a scholarship to attend the University of Louisville/Jamey Aebersold Jazz Camp and Workshop this summer, a month-long opportunity that includes private lessons and performances by guest musicians.

In addition to performing music, both bands had the opportunity to sit down with a judge who gave them feedback on their performances. “This experience is always really useful for the bands, as it provides them with a new critical ear and assessment of their strengths and weaknesses,” Malley said.

Students also attended music clinics led by competition judges. The clinics were formatted in a variety of styles, from the traditional lecture hall, to a more interactive approach that featured critiques by the clinic leader.

Participation in the festival is just one of many opportunities jazz music students had to perform with and learn from professional artists this year. Other opportunities included the Jerome Mirza Jazz Residency, Knox Winter Jazz Series, and Knox-Rootabaga Jazz Festival.