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McLoughlin jazzed over wins Mail Tribune / Bob Pennell The McLoughlin Middle School Jazz Band, led by Chris Bauman, center, won best rhythm section and best saxophone solo at the 2001 Oregon Jazz Celebration competition in Eugene. The eighth-graders competed against 20 other schools, including high schools. School band takes multiple music awards By Damian Mann It�s not often that a school jazz band gets to toot its own horn. But 22 eighth-grade student musicians at McLoughlin Middle School have plenty to be jazzed about after they won a medley of awards at the 2001 Oregon Jazz Celebration in Eugene last weekend. This was the first year the McLoughlin band participated in the competition, held at the University of Oregon. Competing against 20 schools, including North and South Medford high schools, McLoughlin students hit a lot of high notes. They won best rhythm section and best saxophone solo, and individual band members received seven commendations for their exceptional playing. "They told us at the competition that we really represent the spirit of jazz," said Chris Bauman, school varsity and jazz band director. She credits the band�s achievement to a lot of hard work. "I think I was really in tune with the kids. I have fun with them. They are a good, high-energy class that likes to work together." Students were pleasantly surprised at their achievements. "I think it�s really professional of us. It was really a big honor for us. But I was pretty surprised. I didn�t think that we did all that good," said trombonist Tyson Spiess, 13. "That was the best we ever did on �Watermelon Man�," said Matt Fleming, 13, who received a certificate for his drumming skills. Baritone saxophonist Sean Goff, who said he just began playing the sax a year and a half ago, was awarded for his solo performance. "I was really surprised. I didn�t think I�d be the one," said the 13-year-old. Pianist Holly Sutton, who won an award for her performance, said she has been playing popular and classical music for the past seven years. "But I never really played jazz," she said. Now this 13-year-old is sold on the distinctly American music form. "It�s a lot of fun," she said. "It�s kind of like swing." About one-third of the class admitted they now listened to jazz at home. North and South Medford high school bands also received awards. One of two North Medford bands at the competition won best trombone section and best saxophone section. An award for outstanding bassist was given to Jeannine LaFitte. South Medford, which also had two bands competing, won the award for best guitar solo by Lee Barbara. Philip Lopez and J.P. Hutchins were named as outstanding musicians. Not one to rest on her laurels, Bauman has high hopes for the future of her jazz band. "We got an amazing amount of awards, but we�ve got to keep driving forward and doing better and better," she said. Individual certificates were also given to Ian Goff, trombonist, and Adam Nelson, bass player. Fleming and Sean Goff won scholarships to the Peter Britt Jazz Camp this summer. Reach reporter Damian Mann at 776-4476, or e-mail [email protected] Mail Tribune Home | Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. | Dow Jones & Co., Inc. | Privacy | Contact Us Copyright � 2000 Mail Tribune, Inc.