JAZZ ENSEMBLE RATES 'EXCELLENT' AT ALBUQUERQUE JAZZ FESTIVAL

It was great collaborating with the greater New Mexico music community! I would definitely recommend it for future students!"
- Max McCumber

Kudos to the Jazz Performance Ensemble for bringing home an 'Excellent' rating from the Albuquerque and University of New Mexico's Jazz Festival on Feb. 18, 2017. This was the first trip to the festival for the ensemble.

Outstanding Improvisation awards were presented to Davis Harris (guitar), Beckett Maestas (guitar and piano), Max McCumber (sax), Johnathan Ware (sax), and Ben Ciener (bass).

Beckett Maestas was also named Outstanding Guitarist of the entire festival. General comments from the adjudicators mentioned our musician's creativity, groove, and the multi-instrumental capacities of Jonathan and Beckett.

Other highlights of the festival included a musical, informative, and humorous clinic by saxophonist Jeff Coffin and the closing concert featuring Jeff and drummer Matt Wilson with the UNM Jazz Band and the Albuquerque Jazz Orchestra. 

- Chris Ishee, Jazz Director

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WHAT OUR JAZZ STUDENTS ARE SAYING ABOUT THE EXPERIENCE

I enjoyed being adjudicated and getting a clinic from nationally known jazz educators."

- Jesse Glass

I enjoyed getting a chance to play for more people"

-Davis Harris

I enjoyed having a chance to see professional jazz players and learn from them."

-Abby Wilson

My favorite part was hearing the Albuquerque Jazz Orchestra play Jeff Coffin's tune in 17/8 and seeing him demonstrate playing two saxes at the same time."

-Ben Ciener