KU Jazz Studies Program, students earn top honors in music awards

The Kansas University Jazz Studies Program and students were given top honors in the 38th Annual DownBeat Student Music Awards, the university has announced.

The KU Jazz Ensemble I, led by director of Jazz Studies Dan Gailey, received the Graduate College Winner award for Large Jazz Ensemble. Under his leadership, KU jazz groups and students have received a total of 22 DownBeat Student Music Awards since 1992.

David von Kampen, a DMA student in music composition, received a Graduate College Winner award in the Original Composition — Large Ensemble category for “Crooked Number.” He also received an Outstanding Performance in Jazz Arrangement (Graduate College division) for “California Dreamin’.”

KU Jazz Ensemble I will finish the 2015 KU School of Music performance lineup at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Lawrence Arts Center, 940 New Hampshire St. The concert will feature music by von Kampen and guest soloist Addison Frei, piano.

For more information, contact the KU School of Music at 864-3436 or visit music.ku.edu.