The live finals of the Eighth Annual Student Jazz Competition took place Thursday, March 15, at Pensacola State College’s Ashmore Fine Arts Auditorium. Audience members were treated to some fine jazz performances by talented finalists accompanied by the Guffman Trio, consisting of Cynthia Domulot on piano, Fred Domulot on drums and Tom Latenser on bass.
The student performers were all winners. Final placements are as follows:
High School Instrumental Division
1. Andrew Tinch – Guitar – A. Crawford Mosley High School
2. Noah Hall – Alto Sax – Booker T. Washington High School
3. Andrew Connor – Trumpet – Booker T. Washington High School
3. Aundre’ Connor – Bass – Booker T. Washington High School
3. Ty Kannegieter – Tenor Sax – Bayside Academy
Note: 3-way tie for third place
Jazz Vocal Division
1. Anastasia Leech – University of West Florida
2. Isabelle Peterson – University of West Florida
College Instrumental Division
1. Troy Harris – Piano – Pensacola State College
2. Jensen Cadenhead – Vibraphone – Northwest Florida State College
3. Mathew Hall – Guitar – Northwest Florida State College
Winners will receive monetary awards, ranging from $100 to $500 to be used to further their jazz/music education.
We thank finals judges Rebecca Barry, Tim Jackson and Bobby van Deusen, all renowned jazz performers and educators, for their role in making some tough choices.
Congratulations to all the competition winners – they speak well for the future of jazz.
Also, a big “Thank You” goes to the following Jazz Education Team Supporters (JETS) for their financial assistance, making the event possible:
- Avalex Technologies
- Bob Byrnes
- John and Myrl Eisinger
- Paul and Marliese Herrick
- Horizen Restaurant/Alice Chiang
- Dave Jenson
- Dave and Lyndi Kessler
- Ralph Knowles
- Tom and Kathy Lyon
- Knox and Holly Parker
- Arnold Seligman
- Tom and Mary Sylte
- Studer Foundation
- Carolyn Tokson and Jeff Elliot
- Dr. F. Norman and Betty Vickers
- Roger and Kat Villines