The sounds of jazz filled Kutztown Area Middle School during the Kutztown Jazz Festival.
“Students, families, and community members come together over a love of music and the arts,” organizers said in a statement. “Kutztown is proud to be a host school for such an inclusive event that fosters music in our schools and community.”
This event is a culmination of coordinated efforts by the music directors of Kutztown Area School District as well as the volunteers of the Kutztown Area School Music Association, the booster club that supports music programs across the district in grades K-12.
Seventeen scholastic bands from across eastern Pennsylvania participated in the March 14 Jazz Festival.
“The festival was well attended, and we are so grateful for all of the support from our volunteers, school district administration and Kutztown music community to make the Jazz Fest possible every year,” Katie Hess, music association president and festival co-chair, said in a statement. “It’s always really neat to see student musicians cheer on their friends from other schools during performances and reconnect with each other from one festival to the next.”
Unlike a competition, this festival is a celebration of music and the students and directors who create it, said organizers.
Each band is evaluated by adjudicators Carl Zeplin, Gunnar Mossblad and Dr. Kevin Kjos in various musical aspects and overall effect of their performance. Awards are given for outstanding instrumental sections as well as best overall soloists.
Throughout the day, attendees enjoyed upbeat music, raffle prizes, homemade food and an overall pleasant setting in which to relax and take in the tunes, organizers saud.
The combined Jazz Band of Kutztown and Greenwich elementary schools kicked off performances at noon, opening the Middle School Jazz Festival. Bands each performed three pieces. Participating schools included Brandywine Heights, Wilson West, Oley Valley, Fleetwood, Muhlenberg and Kutztown.
The event continued that afternoon with the High School Jazz Festival with each band performing three pieces. Participating schools included Brandywine Heights, Parkland B, Tulpehocken, Wissahickon, Gov. Mifflin, Oley Valley, Wilson, Reading, Twin Valley, Pocono Mountain West, Parkland A, Muhlenberg and Kutztown.
“Such an amazing event! Proud to chair for the fourth year,” festival Chair Jenny Rakus said in a statement. “Lots of work for everyone who volunteered but it’s so worth it for the students and to show parents and the community how impressive the musicians are and how much they have learned and continue to grow!”
Middle School Awards
Best Saxophone Section: Oley Valley MS
Best Rhythm Section: Muhlenberg MS
Best Trumpet Section: Fleetwood MS
Best Trombone Section: Boyertown MS East
Best Overall Soloists Middle School
Miles Esterly: Trumpet, Fleetwood
Yahel Villodas: Drums, Muhlenberg
CC Tangkenko: Alxo Saxophone, Muhlenberg
Max Peters: Alto Saxophone, Fleetwood
High School Awards
Best Saxophone Section: Pocono Mountain High School
Best Rhythm Section: Wilson High School
Best Trumpet Section: Tulpehocken Jr/Sr High School
Best Trombone Section: Reading High School
Best Overall Soloists High School
Jocelyn Rosinski: Alto Saxophone, Wilson
Louis Johnson: Trumpet, Brandywine Heights
Justin Carter: Trombone, Pocono Mountain
Carlos Alvarez: Reading
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Twin Valley High School performed at the Kutztown Jazz Festival on March 14. (Photo courtesy of Dennis Krumanocker, DK Photography)
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Twin Valley High School performed at the Kutztown Jazz Festival on March 14. (Photo courtesy of Dennis Krumanocker, DK Photography)
The hosting directors were Kutztown directors Dustin Shirk and Kathy Mohler. The masters of ceremonies were German teacher Rick “Herr” Hadley and Nathan Herrlin, a KASMA dad and community member.
Food, candy grams, and raffle prizes raised funds for the music association. Funds are used to purchase instruments and uniforms and fund scholarships, music trips and the senior banquet. The KASMA Festival committee included Jenny Rakus (chair), Katie Hess, Kati Newberry, Christina Ilustre, Gloria Christ, Kim Justeson, and Mary Neunenschwander.