The jazz band from Warren Township High School earned the title of grand champion Saturday at Jazz in the Meadows, hosted by Rolling Meadows High School. Driven by its trumpet section — which took first in its class — Warren’s jazz band has won the festival five times going back to 2009.
Photos courtesy of District 214 (VIP)
The grand champions, directed by Dave Tribley, emerged from a pool of 64 schools — or more than 2,000 students — from across the Midwest, who brought their jazz bands and combos to the day-long event.
Among Northwest suburban schools participating, Prospect High School’s jazz band placed second in Class 4A (for large schools) and its jazz combo took second among combos. In addition, Wheeling High School’s second jazz band took third place in the second band class.
“This festival continues to be a beacon for music education and jazz education in the Midwest,” says Rolling Meadows Band Director Elliott Hill. “It brings together some of the best band programs and jazz programs from across the Midwest to participate in the largest educational jazz festival in the Midwest.
Rolling Meadows Band Director Elliott Hile
“We are able to offer a unique experience for everyone who attends the festival,” he adds. “Students get to learn from watching each other, there are masterclasses for everyone, and we have incredible guest artists perform that are some of the biggest names in jazz and music in the country.”
Peter Weber directs the jazz bands at Prospect, following in a long line of music educators who value the immersive experience offered for students at Jazz in the Meadows.
“The energy throughout the day is remarkable,” Weber says, “and the opportunity for our students to grow through performance, expression and professional feedback is always a rewarding experience.”
It’s not surprising then to learn that Prospect has participated in Jazz in the Meadows nearly every year, since Len King, founding band director at Rolling Meadows, started it in 1985. Through the years, Weber adds, the focus has remained on making great music and striving to perform at the highest possible level.
“Jazz is an important part of our music program because it develops creativity, critical listening and collaboration,” Weber says, “while giving students the opportunity to take risks and express their own musical voice through improvisation.
“At the same time,” he adds, “it connects them to one of America’s most influential and enduring musical traditions.”
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