BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Kutztown University's jazz ensemble has won its first DownBeat Magazine Student Music Award.
DownBeat's competition recognizes the top jazz ensembles at the undergraduate and graduate levels. It is the 10th win for Kutztown's commercial music program and the first for the jazz ensemble, the university said in a news release Friday.
Of the 18 total members of the group, five are from the Lehigh Valley.
"Winning a DownBeat Student Music Award is a really exciting honor for us," said Director, Kevin Kjos. "It's traditionally given to only the very best in the nation and to be in the same company as the major music schools is a testament to the musicianship and musical maturity of the students here at Kutztown.
"This is the equivalent of a Grammy award in the professional ranks and can indeed serve as a stepping stone into that world for students who win this prestigious award."
Nine judges evaluate the participating groups based on several performance criteria including overall sound, proper interpretation, improvisation, creativity, intonation, phrasing and dynamics.
In addition to technical proficiency, honorees must demonstrate a distinct voice.
Founded in 1976, the awards are considered the most prestigious in jazz education. Hundreds of musicians, music educators and music industry professionals received their first international recognition as DownBeat student award winners.
Members from Allentown include Jonathan Jimenez, David Alvarado and Chase Klingaman.
Antonio Santiago and Alec Rubery are from Bethlehem.
Benjamin Miller, of Topton in Berks County, is also an ensemble musician.
