URGENT UPDATE: Three talented students from Marietta High School took the stage at the 57th Annual Marshall University Winter Jazz Festival, showcasing their musical prowess alongside elite young musicians. The festival, held in Huntington, West Virginia, culminated in a performance just last night, where the Marshall University All-Star Jazz Ensemble opened the concert.
Trumpeter Carter Myers, trombonist Kyle Palmer, and saxophonist Graeden Work were selected through a competitive audition process to join this prestigious ensemble. The students spent the previous week on campus, immersed in intensive rehearsals and master classes led by Grammy Award winner Roxy Coss and esteemed members of the Marshall music faculty.
For Myers, Palmer, and Work, this experience offered a transformative glimpse into the world of professional music-making. They described the festival as “eye-opening” and “inspiring,” emphasizing how the rigorous training challenged them and provided insight into pursuing music at the collegiate level.
This achievement marks a pivotal moment for Marietta High School, which only reinstated its jazz program last year. Band director Eric Staats noted, “This is the first time Marietta students have participated in the Marshall Winter Jazz Festival,” highlighting the significance of their selection and performance. He expressed hope that this event will pave the way for more opportunities in the future, stating, “We plan to encourage more students to audition in the coming years as we expand our jazz offerings.”
The emotional impact of this event resonates not only with the students but also with the community that supports their musical journey. As they step into a wider world of music, the experience serves as a significant milestone in their artistic development and the revitalization of the school’s jazz program.
Expect to see more from these aspiring musicians as they continue to take advantage of opportunities that challenge and inspire them. The Marietta High School band community anticipates a bright future ahead with increased participation and performance engagements on the horizon.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story and the ongoing success of the Marietta High School jazz program.
