Penn Advanced Jazz Ensemble qualifies for State Jazz Finals

Penn High School’s Advanced Jazz Ensemble is one of eight bands in Indiana to qualify for the State Jazz Finals, which will be Friday, March 15, at North Central High School in Indianapolis. This is the first time in school history that Penn’s Advanced Jazz Ensemble has qualified for the State Jazz Finals.

"Becoming a State Finalist is an excellent accomplishment for these students,” Penn High School Principal Sean Galiher said. “The students and staff of the Fine Arts Academy represent Penn High School well and also understand the commitment it takes to be successful and accomplish their goals."

Penn earned a spot in the State Jazz Finals through the ISSMA (Indiana State School Music Association) State Qualifier at Goshen Middle School, performing: Armando's Big Band,  by Allen Wittig; Whisper Not, by Benny Golson; and Happy-Go-Lucky Local, by Billy Strayhorn and Duke Ellington.

Members of the Advanced Jazz Ensemble are:

• Santiago Retzloff – Alto and Soprano Saxophone (senior)
• Nathan Campeau – Alto Saxophone and Clarinet (senior)
• Maggie Zielinski – Tenor Saxophone (senior)
• Romey Bell – Tenor Saxophone (senior)
• Caleb Vrydaghs – Tenor and Baritone Saxophone (junior)
• Sydney Cole – Baritone Saxophone and Vocals (senior)
• Michael Forry – Trumpet (sophomore)
• D.J. Pennix – Trumpet and Flugelhorn (sophomore)
• Caden Miller – Trumpet (sophomore)
• Derek Reinhardt – Trumpet (junior)
• Brad Ziegelmaier – Trombone (junior)
• Pete Sullivan – Trombone (sophomore)
• Quin Bast – Trombone (sophomore)
• Rebecca Mattson – Bass Trombone (junior)
• Monica Hunt – Guitar (junior) Alex Richard – Guitar (junior)
• Phillip Matous – Piano (freshman)
• Andy Henry – Bass (senior)
• Peter Campeau – Bass (junior)
• Brian Oke – Drums (junior)

“This group is incredibly talented,” Penn Music Instructor Aaron Griesser said. “I am so lucky to be able to stand in front of them. Our soloists were phenomenal at the State Qualifier, which is critically important in any jazz performance. We have a veteran saxophone section with a sound that borders on professional.

“Our entire trumpet section was brand new this year, and they have stepped up in a big way,” Griesser said. “The rhythm section plays with great creativity, and the trombones have shown consistent improvement for the past three years. Most importantly, this band is resilient in the face of adversity. They are at their best when the lights are brightest.”

Griesser said that qualifying for the State Jazz Finals is a special moment in Penn’s outstanding music tradition and the Fine Arts Academy.

“I'm excited to see the culture of collaboration in the Fine Arts Academy directly benefiting the musicians in this band, which includes students from band, choir, orchestra, music theory, and music technology,” Griesser said. “It is so fulfilling to work with these students and all of the other teachers who support them in their creative journey at Penn!”