SM East’s jazz program got a big pat on the back earlier this month at the 37th Annual KU Jazz Festival in Lawrence.
Both of SM East’s jazz bands, the Blue Knights and the Blue Notes, received First Division ratings from the judges. Performers Molly Blake, Bennett Lawrence, Jordan Bertholf, Jake Wheeler, Ian Rhoads, and Noah Eidemiller all earned Outstanding Soloist recognition. And the Blue Knights were named Outstanding Ensemble at the event, which earned them the right to stay for an additional performance the night of the competition at Woodruff Auditorium alongside some of KU’s best jazz educators.
So…what’s so great about SM East’s jazz bands? Take a look at this video from their spring concert at SM East last week and see for yourself.
Congrats Blue Knights and Blue Notes!
