Marietta High Students Shine at Marshall Jazz Festival 2023

URGENT UPDATE: Three talented students from Marietta High School have made headlines by performing with the prestigious Marshall University All-Star Jazz Ensemble at the 57th Annual Marshall University Winter Jazz Festival in Huntington, West Virginia. This remarkable achievement, which took place last week, marks a significant milestone for the school’s revitalized jazz program.

Trumpeter Carter Myers, trombonist Kyle Palmer, and saxophonist Graeden Work were selected through a competitive audition process to join the All-Star ensemble, showcasing the best high school musicians from the region. Their experience culminated in a thrilling performance on Friday night, where they opened the festival concert, providing them with invaluable exposure to the world of professional music.

This opportunity was not just about performance; the students participated in intensive rehearsals and master classes led by renowned Grammy Award-winning saxophonist Roxy Coss and esteemed members of the Marshall music faculty. For Myers, Palmer, and Work, the festival was a transformative experience that shed light on what a future in music could hold.

“The festival was eye-opening and inspiring,” said Kyle Palmer. “Working with such experienced musicians challenged us to grow as artists and helped clarify our goals for studying music beyond high school.”

The significance of this achievement cannot be overstated, especially for a program that was reestablished just last year. Eric Staats, the band director, expressed pride in his students, stating, “This is the first time Marietta students have participated in the Marshall Winter Jazz Festival. Being selected and performing in an ensemble of this caliber is a fantastic accomplishment for our program as we rebuild.”

Staats is enthusiastic about encouraging more students to audition for future festivals, seeing these opportunities as critical for expanding the school’s jazz offerings. “We hope this is just the beginning for our students,” he added.

As the jazz program at Marietta High School continues to grow, the impact of this experience will resonate for years to come, inspiring a new generation of musicians. The festival highlights the importance of community support for arts education and the profound effect such opportunities can have on young talent.

With the success of these three students, the Marietta High School community looks forward to building on this momentum and fostering more opportunities for aspiring musicians. The future of jazz at Marietta is looking bright, and these students are at the forefront of that renaissance.

Stay tuned for more updates as Marietta High School continues to make strides in the world of music.