The University of Utah’s Jazz Ensemble One and Hot Club of Zion earned top rankings this past weekend at the noted University of Northern Colorado/Greeley Jazz Festival. The festival, in its 42nd season, is the largest event of its kind in the country, and each year it brings together internationally recognized artists and award winning clinicians. This year more than 275 college, high school and middle school big bands, combos and jazz vocal groups from around the United States took part.
Jazz Ensemble One, led by Russell Schmidt, received the highest rankings in each of their 16 possible categories. In addition, four students received individual awards for outstanding achievement as soloists. They are Denson Angulo, bass; Ben Kimura, piano; Ben Lepley, trombone; and Jeremy Tarshis, guitar.
The jazz combo Hot Club Zion, adjudicated by internationally recognized saxophonist Dave Pietro who has been a festival adjudicator for nearly two decades, received the highest rankings in each of their eight possible categories. The group is coached by Keven Johansen.
More than 7,500 young musicians participated at this year’s festival.