The RTMS Jazz Ensemble celebrates their 3rd place finish (Photo by Todd Smith)
River Trails Middle School's Jazz Ensemble competed at the 2022 "Jazz in the Meadows Festival" over the weekend, finishing third among the junior high and middle school groups.
The Jazz Ensemble, led by director Todd Smith and student teacher Connor Yoon, performed three songs at the annual Rolling Meadows High School event. It was the first time the group placed in the top three since 2011.
"They left it all in that room," Mr. Smith said. "I do not think they could have played the music any better than they did that day."
This was the 37th annual Jazz in the Meadows Festival, hosted by the high school's music boosters. More than 70 jazz bands and combos from throughout the state and Midwest participated in the event. It is considered one of the most highly regarded jazz gatherings in the region.
The first and second place finishers in the junior high class were Cooper Middle School (Buffalo Grove) and Old Quarry Middle School (Lemont), respectively.
"We could not be more proud of the student's accomplishments on Saturday," Mr. Smith said.
(Video by John Matz)