AHS Jazz Band, Tylutki receive best in site awards from section contest
More than 100 Austin High School students took part in the Section Solo/Ensemble Contest Saturday, Jan. 26, held at Lakeville South High School.
Among the highest marks where the AHS Jazz One group and senior Matt Tylutki who both received Best in Site awards.
A Best in Site Award is awarded to the most exemplary performance a judge hears throughout the day, usually including between 30 and 40 performances.
Tylutki performed the “3rd Movement of the Sonata for Trumpet” by Kent Kennan.
The judge gave Tylutki perfect scores in every category for his flawless technique and musicianship. Tylutki was accompanied on the piano by Dori Schou.
The Jazz Band played “In the Mood” by Glenn Miller that featured junior soloist Brad Gerlach on tenor sax, freshman Isaac Wollersheim on alto sax and Jacob Burkhart on trumpet. The band also performed “Beauty and the Beast” that featured Burkhart on flugelhorn and the Santana latin-rock standard “Smooth,” which featured Gerlach on tenor saxophone and Tylutki on trumpet.
The judge praised the ensemble for their ensemble playing, outstanding energy and balance, and their attention to phrasing and intonation.
In all, more than 100 students took part in 88 different performances throughout the day. The solos, duets and trios were accompanied by Schou, Amelia Harthan, Ardis Knutson and director Bradley Mariska.