Garfield High School Jazz Band No. 1 from Seattle, Washington, was named the instrumental sweepstakes champion of the final Young Artist’s Winners Concert Saturday at the Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival.
The high school instrumental division included seven jazz band performances from high schools in Canada, Idaho and Washington.
Garfield performer Jonathon Sabbath said winning was an honor and an incredible feeling for him and the entire band.
“So much of music is subjective that it’s kind of nice to receive some validation like this,” Sabbath said.
He said many performers put in extra time to perfect the piece and it paid off for the group.
Garfield performer Owen Boxwell said he attended the Jazz Fest for the past five years, but this time will be the most memorable for him.
“A win like this really brings people together,” Boxwell said.
Olivia Heersink can be reached at the [email protected] or Twitter @heersinkolivia