NEWBERRY — Newberry College’s jazz ensemble, the College Street Jazz Connection, returned home with the highest honor available at the 59th Annual Elmhurst University Jazz Festival, held at Elmhurst University in Elmhurst, Ill. The ensemble claimed the festival’s Outstanding Ensemble Award, the top distinction offered at one of the nation’s most prestigious collegiate jazz competitions.
In addition to the ensemble honor, every member of the combo received an Outstanding Soloist Award. The six student musicians recognized are Colton Bewley, Jorge Martinez Jr., Tristin Sundell, Augustus (Gus) Lanford, David Price and Tyre Timbers.
The College Street Jazz Connection competed against ensembles from significantly larger institutions, including Purdue University, Elmhurst University, the University of Wisconsin, the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music and others. The achievement is comparable to earning Most Valuable Player recognition at a regional championship tournament in athletics.
The results underscore Newberry College’s commitment to excellence in the performing arts and demonstrate that its students can compete at the highest levels against programs from some of the most well-resourced music schools in the country.
“I am incredibly proud of what these students have accomplished,” said Dr. Barry McGinnis, director of jazz studies at Newberry College. “To walk into a festival of that caliber, competing alongside much larger programs, and earn the highest honor available—along with Outstanding Soloist Awards for every single member of our combo—is a remarkable achievement. These students represent the very best of Newberry College.”
The Elmhurst University Jazz Festival, now in its 59th year, is widely regarded as one of the most competitive collegiate jazz festivals in the Midwest, drawing top programs from across the country each year.
For more information about the Music programs at Newberry College, visit https://www.newberry.edu/academics/areas-of-study/music.
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