During the first weekend of March, four of the Chesterton High School music programs competed at the ISSMA Jazz competition. ISSMA, or the Indiana State School Music Association, is a state educational program hosting events to educate further and enhance students’ musical abilities. It is a performance-based competition where participants get judged and awarded gold, silver, bronze, or participation. Four music groups performed and all did exceptionally well.
Firstly, the CHS Jazz Strings group earned a gold rating for their performance of two pieces. Additionally, senior soloist Hailey Jalovecky earned an “Outstanding Soloist Award!” Jalovecky performed a written solo as well as an improv solo on the violin.
“I was a little bit nervous but not as much as I used to be. Over time it gets easier to perform. As I’m performing, I don’t think about anything, it just comes naturally,” Jalovecky said.
The CHS Maroon Jazz Band also scored gold for performing three outstanding pieces. They also had three soloists earn the “Outstanding Soloist Award.” Congratulations to Sophomores Cody Brewer, Will Liles, and Tiara Wilkerson!
Performing at Portage High School was the CHS Vocal Jazz Ensemble. Many members are a part of the Camerata choir. They earned a gold rating for their performance of three songs. This was their second time competing and their second consecutive gold win. Additionally, Sophomore Karleigh Pawlyszyn and Seniors Luke Houseman and Hailey Nevious all won “Outstanding Soloist Awards.”
The CHS Jazz Ensemble also performed at PHS. They competed twice and very well. Their first performance earned another gold rating. However, their second performance blew everything out of the water, as they received gold with distinction, a step above gold. Seniors Matthew Haubold, CJ Adent, Mike Schwab, Adrian Dooley, Evans Frassine, and Chloe Wring earned the “Outstanding Soloist Award.”
Overall, all four CHS groups performed exceptionally well and represented CHS as they always do. All groups earned gold ratings or higher, as well as many receiving “Outstanding Soloist Awards!”CHS Jazz Bands
