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Jazz students snare four Down Beat AwardsJune 28, 2006 KALAMAZOO--Students in the Western Michigan University Jazz Studies Program continue to shine in Down Beat magazine's student awards competition, this year garnering four awards. WMU students have won multiple awards in the national contest annually for more than a dozen years, and WMU is the only university in the state to receive recognition in Down Beat's 29th Annual Student Music Awards. In addition, the University tied nationally for second place in total awards with the Manhattan School of Music and New England Conservatory. Results were announced in the magazine's June issue. WMU award winners this year and the category for their prize were: The Kruziki Transatlantica Quintet, Jazz Group, College Winner; Gold Company, Jazz Vocal Choir, College Winner; Tim Buchholz, Jazz Vocalist, College Winner; Aaron Kruziki, "Fotographia", Jazz Arrangement, College Outstanding Performance. "I am extremely proud of our students and our tireless faculty, who create an environment and artistic product that rivals the biggest names in music education," says Tom Knific, WMU professor of music and director of the WMU Jazz Studies program. "Our best equals the best anywhere." WMU Jazz Studies alumni also had a big impact on this year's awards as educators. Seven awards went to ensembles and students directed by former WMU students, including Dan Gregerman, high school jazz instrumental group; Darek Fawcett, high school vocal soloist; Jed Scott, high school vocal soloist; Matt Falker, college vocal soloist; David Cannon, high school jazz choir; Tina Thielen-Gaffey, college jazz choir category; and Christine Helferich Guter, college jazz arrangement. Media contact: Mark Schwerin, (269) 387-8400, mark.schwerin@wmich.edu WMU News |
