WISCONSIN CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC’S JAZZ INSTITUTE ENSEMBLE NAMED FINALIST IN CHARLES MINGUS HIGH SCHOOL COMPETITION
Milwaukee, WI – January 30, 2012 – The Wisconsin Conservatory of Music is extremely proud and
excited to announce that its Jazz Institute Batterman Ensemble has been selected as a finalist to
compete in the 2012 Charles Mingus High School Jazz Competition, February 17-19 in New York, New York.
Sue Mingus—widow of legendary jazz musician and composer Charles Mingus—Let My Children
Hear Music/The Charles Mingus Institute, Justin DiCioccio, and the Manhattan School of Music
announced the finalists in four categories (Big Band, Big Band-Specialized Schools and Programs,
Combo, and Combo-Specialized Schools and Programs) on January 5. In each category, the
following prizes will be awarded: Outstanding Big Band and Outstanding Combo, Outstanding
Soloists, Outstanding Big Band Section, and Outstanding Combo Arrangement.
The Batterman Ensemble is one of four finalists chosen to compete in the Combo-Specialized
Schools and Programs category. Directed by Conservatory Woodwinds/Brass/Percussion Department Chair Eric Jacobson, serving under Jazz Institute Chair Mark Davis, Ensemble members include: Alec Aldred, trumpet (Catholic
Memorial High School); Lenard Simpson, alto saxophone (Wauwatosa East High School); Robert Larry, alto saxophone (Rufus King High School); Peter Garofalo, piano (Wauwatosa East High School); Sam Carneol, bass (Nicolet High School); Dylan Koch, drums (Wauwatosa East High School).
Watch a video of the Batterman Ensemble
performing "Peggy's Blue Skylight" composed by Charles Mingus.
All Conservatory staff, faculty and board members congratulate these talented young musicians and
wish them all the best as they participate in this important nationwide competition, filled with clinics,
workshops, master classes, and performances at the Manhattan School of Music. WCM Jazz
Institute programs are made possible with funds from the Eric D. Batterman Memorial Grant.
The Wisconsin Conservatory of Music is the oldest and largest non-profit independent music school
in Wisconsin. For more information call 414/276-5760 or visit www.wcmusic.org.
Contact:
Mary Dally-Muenzmaier
Communications Coordinator
414/459-3450
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