The 2017 KMEA All-State Jazz ensemble auditions were organized and run by Cary Stahly, KMEA State Jazz Chair (Seaman High School). Dr. Gary Leopold is the Assistant Chair. State Jazz Auditions were held Saturday, January 9th in Salina. There were 115 scheduled auditions and 9 cancellations this year. There were 118 auditions in 2016, and 100 in 2015.
The 19 member All State Jazz Ensemble has the following class representations: School size: 4A – 3 students, 5A – 6 students, 6A – 10 students. Grades: 10th grade – 2 students, 11th grade – 5 students, 12th grade – 12 students. KMEA districts represented are: NE – 12 students, SC – 7 students. Jazz judges were involved with four audition rooms: Saxophone, trombone, trumpet and rhythm section. A lead judge in each room was responsible for securing four judges plus door monitor. Audition times were assigned and given to students at the registration table (names, times and room numbers were on mailing labels).
All-State Jazz Band Conductor
Bob Lark, will no longer be available to serve as this year’s jazz clinician due to a health issue. In his place we have arranged for Kirk Garrison to work with the All-State Jazz Band. Kirk is an active performer, educator and composer in the Chicago area. A veteran of the Chicago jazz scene, Kirk attended Mankato State University in his home state of Minnesota before honing his skills in the United States Air Force Band. After leaving the Air Force in 1992, he completed his masters degree in Jazz Studies at DePaul University where he served on the jazz faculty. He is currently on faculty at Concordia University, Chicago and Elmhurst College, Elmhurst, IL. As a member of the Lt. Dan Band featuring actor Gary Sinise, Kirk performs for scores of active duty military members, veterans and their families, including many charity organizations for disabled veterans. The band has toured extensively in the United States, Europe, Asia and the Middle East. He was commissioned to write arrangements for internationally renowned jazz artists saxophonist Phil Woods and drummer Jeff Hamilton. His symphonic arrangement of Nature Boy for orchestra and choir premiered in Chicago in 2010. He has written commissioned arrangements for DePaul University, the Chicago String Ensemble, the Heritage Chorale of Oak Park Il, the Millar Brass Ensemble at Northwestern University and Louis Prima, Jr. Kirk has appeared with Louie Bellson, Kenny Burrell, Dave Brubeck, Ron Carter, Bill Champlin, Pete Christlieb, Vinnie Colaiutta, Larry Combs, Joey DeFrancesco, Kurt Elling, Jon Faddis, Aretha Franklin, Danny Gottlieb, Marvin Hamlisch, Herbie Hancock, Bob Hope, Rodney Jones, Pat LaBarbera, Russell Malone, Kevin Mahogany, Frank Mantooth, Johnny Mathis, Jim McNeeley, Bob Mintzer, Rita Moreno, Danilo Perez, Don Rickles, Dianne Schuur, Danny Seraphine, Ed Shaughnessy, Frank Sinatra, Jr., Clark Terry, Frank Wess, Joe Williams, Nancy Wilson and Phil Woods. Kirk also performs as a guest soloist and clinician/adjudicator at middle schools, high schools and colleges throughout the country.
Rehearsals during the KMEA In-service workshop will be in the Trails Rooms at the Hyatt with a 3:30 pm performance in the Mary Jane Teall Theatre in Century II Convention Center Saturday, February 25th. We encourage all to drop in and watch great rehearsals with a great teacher.
