Northwest Jazz Orchestra Honored by Downbeat Magazine

Waukee Northwest Jazz Orchestra has been named a 2022 Outstanding Performer in the High School Large Jazz Ensemble category for the 46th Annual Student Music Awards presented by Downbeat Magazine. This is the first recognition for Northwest Jazz Orchestra and the fourth time for a band in Waukee CSD. Chris Strohmaier, band director for NWHS, says, “It is a tremendous honor for our program and for students, of whom I could not be prouder.” Only one other school in New Jersey received the same recognition.

Downbeat Magazine was established in 1934. It’s considered the preeminent resource for all things current in the jazz world. In 1977, Downbeat began recognizing the future of jazz performance and education by publishing a list of outstanding ensembles and soloists at the junior high, high school, and collegiate levels. Programs apply from across the country. A list of Winners and Outstanding Performances are published in the June edition of the magazine.

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“Northwest Jazz Orchestra would not have achieved this award without the support of our outstanding band staff in grades 5-12. Their countless hours of hard work on behalf of our students has once again been nationally recognized,” Strohmaier says.

Congratulations to all involved in this major accomplishment!