Kwalikum Secondary School's (KSS) jazz program proved it’s a force to reckoned with last week as it took home eight out of a possible 20 awards at the Envision Jazz Festival in Surrey, B.C.
The festival showcased music students in Grades 8 through 12 from 30 schools throughout the Pacific Northwest.
The KSS Senior Jazz Band delivered a show-stopping performance during the Showcase Concert, which featured the top four of the 34 senior bands. This included top-notch solos and duos by Ben Dwyer on alto sax, Noah Faust-Robinson on trumpet and Geoff Campbell on drums and helped the students earn the coveted award, Most Outstanding Senior Jazz Band.
“We have been to this festival and made it to the Showcase many times, but this is our first top band honour for the seniors,” said one of the music directors, Dave Stewart in a news release. “The competition is always fierce and our Senior Jazz Band rose to the occasion.”
Dwyer also won Best Senior Saxophone and special honours went to senior Noah Faust-Robinson, and junior Julian Telfer-Wan who played in the festival’s senior and junior rep. bands.
KSS Junior band members were also recognized for excellence winning six out of 10 possible awards. Nick Bradley won Best Bass player, Brendyn Davey won Best Trumpet, Kyle Gorenko took home Best Guitar and Julian Telfer-Wan won Best Trombone.
The band was also recognized with Best Junior Rhythm Section and Best Junior Combo with Krunch, made up of Bradley, Davey, Gorenko, Harrison Houde, Natasha Beaulac, and Rebecca Clarke.