Community High School Jazz Band Advanced I won the 2009 “Outstanding Performing Group” in Downbeat magazines 33rd annual student music awards competition. The members of the combo were Ella Campbell (Saxophone), Charlie Hack (Bass), Jordan Otto (Drums), Jack O’Connel (Guitar). The Combo was directed by Jack Wagner, CHS jazz director.

Downbeat magazine is the largest jazz publication in circulation. The panel of judges included editors to the magazine, jazz educators, and professional musicians.

The results will be published in the June 2010 edition of Downbeat magazine.

Jordan Otto is also a member of the Jon Beshay Sextet, the winning combo of the undergraduate division. The members of the combo attend Michigan State and two members, Jon Beshay (Saxophone) and Rob Bickley (Bass) graduated from Pioneer High School. Jon Beshay was also a private student of Jack Wagner in high school.

These awards are among the most prestigeous awards that young musicians can recieve.

Currently Ella Campbell and Jordan Otto are studying jazz at Michigan State University. Charlie Hack and Jack O’Connel both attend Columbia college in New York.

Listen to CHS “Advanced I”

80/81 by Pat Metheny
80/81 by Pat Metheny

Gary’s Notebook by Lee Morgan
Gary’s Notebook by Lee Morgan