Jazzed: Students Named to Ohio Intercollegiate Band

Three Cedarville University music majors have been named to the Ohio Intercollegiate Jazz Band.

Vibraphonist Noah Ramirez, a sophomore, and vocalists Kaitlin Kohler, a senior, and Elizabeth McAlester, a junior, were selected from auditions, and they will perform with the band at the Ohio Music Educators Association (OMEA) conference on February 1 in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Members of the Ohio Intercollegiate Jazz Band represent some of best music programs in the state, including Capitol Conservatory, Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music, Ohio University, The Ohio State University and Bowling Green State University. The ensemble is comprised of approximately 20 students.

This is the third time, and second year in a row, that Cedarville has been represented in the Ohio Intercollegiate Jazz Band.

— Chet Jenkins

“This speaks to the quality and skills of the students who are auditioning, and I think it speaks as well to the quality of instruction that they are receiving,” noted Dr. Chet Jenkins, assistant professor of music. “For our students, this is a great opportunity to perform with some of the best collegiate jazz musicians from across the state, and it is an honor for them to be considered a part of that group.”

“As this performance takes place during the OMEA conference, it is proof of the quality educational and performance opportunities our students are receiving here in the music and worship department,” he continued. “The many attendees who represent fine high school music departments all around the state may know of a student who is a good fit for Cedarville.”

Each of the Cedarville students submitted a recorded audition that was heard by the audition committee, and the jazz band gave up a full rehearsal day in order to be able to record quality auditions, Jenkins explained. “The band as a whole was supportive in creating a quality performance for Noah, Kaitlin and Elizabeth to be heard in a live recorded state,” he said. "I should also compliment our lead trumpet player, Silas Rea, who did an outstanding job as the recording engineer for the band that day.”

 Located in southwest Ohio, Cedarville University is an accredited, Christ-centered, Baptist institution with an enrollment of 4,380 undergraduate, graduate and online students in more than 150 areas of study. Founded in 1887, Cedarville is recognized nationally for its authentic Christian community, rigorous academic programs, including its Bachelor of Arts in Music program, strong graduation and retention rates, accredited professional and health science offerings and leading student satisfaction ratings. For more information about the University, visit www.cedarville.edu.