News Releases

Clark College Jazz Ensemble students receive top honors
at national collegiate jazz festivals

Bassist John Patitucci (front row, center) congratulates the Clark College Jazz Ensemble for their outstanding performance at the Eau Claire Jazz Festival.

Students from Vancouver, Hockinson and McMinnville
were honored for their performances
at two of the nation’s top collegiate jazz festivals

VANCOUVER, Wash. – Performing at two of the nation’s top collegiate jazz festivals, three student musicians in the Clark College Jazz Ensemble students received special awards and recognitions for outstanding solo performances.

The awards came following the jazz ensemble performances at the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire Jazz Festival, held in Eau Claire, Wis. from March 29 to April 1, and the University of Northern Colorado/Greeley Jazz Festival, held in Greeley, Colo. from April 19-21.

Guitarist Nick Ferraro of Vancouver, Wash., received an outstanding soloist award from the Eau Claire Jazz Festival.

Tenor saxophonist David Floratos of McMinnville, Ore., received an outstanding soloist award from the Eau Claire Jazz Festival and a special citation for outstanding musicianship from the Greeley Jazz Festival.

Trombonist Ian Garner of Hockinson, Wash., received an outstanding soloist award from the Eau Claire Jazz Festival and a special citation for outstanding musicianship from the Greeley Jazz Festival.

In addition to performing for comments from internationally renowned jazz educators at both festivals, the Clark College Jazz Ensemble students also participated in clinics, workshops, and concerts presented by legendary performers including jazz bassist Ron Carter, who performed with the late Miles Davis; recording artist and Grammy Award winner John Patitucci; and trumpeter, composer and bandleader Brian Lynch.

About the Eau Claire and University of Northern Colorado/Greeley Jazz Festivals

For the past 44 years, the Eau Claire Jazz Festival has maintained a standard of excellence in jazz education and performance, earning its distinction as one of the oldest and largest jazz festivals in the nation.  Information about the festival is available at www.eauclairejazz.com

The largest event of its kind in the nation, the University of Northern Colorado/Greeley Jazz Festival brings together internationally recognized artists, jazz lovers, award-winning clinicians, and over 275 college, high school, and middle school big bands, combos, and jazz vocal groups from across the country. Each year, more than 7,500 participants enjoy the main stage concerts, after-hours sessions, daytime performances, and the many educational workshop sessions.  Information about the festival is available at http://arts.unco.edu/music/jazz_festival/default.html.

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