MIHS musicians to perform live on KPLU radio Thursday
Published 9:24 am Tuesday, January 13, 2015
Six members of the Mercer Island High School jazz program will perform live on air on KPLU radio, 88.5 FM from 12:15 to 12:35 p.m., Jan. 15 at KPLU’s Belltown studio.
The performance is part of the KPLU School of Jazz project. KPLU selects 10 schools to participate in the project and sends a guest artist to each participating school to work with students and prepare the performance. The guest artist also participates with the students during their on-air performance. The guest artist for MIHS is trumpet and saxophonist Jay Thomas, who has been to MIHS four times already and will rehearse again with students one more time before the performance.
“The experience has been phenomenal,” said music teacher David Bentley. “It’s so exciting to see our best and brightest interacting with Jay. He truly is a brilliant musician, and has been inspiring to, and enthusiastic with our kids. They walk out of each session eyes wide, and bouncing with excitement. The growth has been so fun to see.”
The students performing are: Riley Fang, saxophone; Shea Kelsay, trumpet; Tynan McGee, trombone; Eric Westergard, piano; Max Van Gelder, bass and Dylan Lesko, drums.
