WMU jazz program again earns national honors from DownBeat magazine
KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Western Michigan University’s jazz studies program is striking a powerful chord on the national stage, claiming multiple honors at DownBeat magazine’s prestigious Student Music Awards. This year, soloists and ensembles representing WMU really showed off the program’s versatility.
“Winning eight awards is a true testament to the caliber of our student musicians,” says Dr. Andrew Rathbun, head of jazz studies in the Irving S. Gilmore School of Music. “Our program continues to thrive, and we are so grateful for this acknowledgment of the hard work of our students and faculty alike.”
DownBeat 2026 Student Music Award winners representing WMU
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Members of the Fortunate Cats are, from left to right (front row), Lucas Daunt, Brooke Lewis, Katie O’Brien and Aaron King, and (back row) Kaden Anderson, Grant Rupp and Noah Prince. Hans Hansen, guitar, Liam Drzewicki Trio, Outstanding Soloist—Small Jazz Combo, Graduate (director: Keith Hall)
- Haden Bovee, alto saxophone, Nick Birchler Quartet, Outstanding Soloist—Small Jazz Combo, Undergraduate (director: Matthew Fries)
- Haden Bovee, alto saxophone, The Chris Majure Sextet, Outstanding Soloist—Small Jazz Ensemble/Combo, Undergraduate (director: Keith Hall)
- The Chris Majure Sextet, Outstanding Performance—Latin Group, Undergraduate (director: Keith Hall)
- Fourtunate Cats, Outstanding Performance—Small Vocal Jazz Group, Undergraduate (director: Gregory Jasperse)
- Rebecca Ramirez, “Tell Me a Bedtime Story,” Outstanding Arrangement—Vocal, Graduate (director: Gregory Jasperse)
- Rebecca Ramirez, Outstanding Performance—Vocal Jazz Soloist, Graduate (director: Gregory Jasperse)
- Colin Woniewski, trombone, Colin Woniewski Jazz Collective, Outstanding Soloist—Small Jazz Combo, Undergraduate (director: Scott Cowan)
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