After Hugh Smith performed in the All Region Honor Band earlier this year with fellow Lincoln Junior High School classmates Matthew Gerard (8th), Madeline Petrucelli (8th), and Konnor Ray (8th), Hugh was ready for another challenge. As soon as he heard about the Indiana Junior All-State Jazz Band, the 13-year-old quickly prepared his audition materials. Hugh’s audition included recordings of him playing a short jazz tune, a scale, and three types of improvisation. Out of all of the submissions across the state, Hugh was chosen to be one of four trumpet players for this elite group. After two-days of rehearsing together, the Junior All-State Jazz Band will perform on Friday January 15th in the Grand Wayne Convention Center / Embassy Theatre in Fort Wayne as part of the IMEA Indiana Music Education Association’s 2016 State Conference that will take place in Fort Wayne January 14-16, 2016.
Congratulations to Hugh Smith for making the Junior All-State Jazz Band and to be part of this year’s 2016 IJEA All-State Jazz Ensemble!
Hugh in his own words on this great accomplishment:
A week or two ago, I found out that there was a thing called the Junior All-State Jazz Band. It is a group of kids my age from all over the state that auditioned, and made, a jazz band. I found out about this opportunity one day before the requirements for the auditions for new, so my hopes were bleak. But I didn’t give up on the tough challenge. I had to learn multiple things that they sent us and then record them and send them in, all in just 24 hours. I had to play a part they gave me, a chromatic scale, and three improvised (made up on the spot) solos. Ms. (Lisa) Wallyn and I sent them in after about an hour of playing, messing up, starting over, and playing again. We found out on Tuesday that I had made it. I am one of six trumpets (two are alternates) who made it, one of four who will be playing. I was the only person from our school to try out (and make it).
For more information on the Indiana Junior All-State Jazz Band visit the following website:
