Wheeling Jazz Band Combo to perform at Midwest Clinic

Wheeling High School's Jazz Band Combo will perform at The Midwest Clinic International Band, Orchestra and Music Conference on Wednesday, Dec. 16.

The prestigious four-day conference - the largest of its kind - brings together 17,000 attendees in Chicago to learn about music education, business and industry trends. As part of the conference, top musical ensembles from across the country perform and showcase their talent. This year marks the first time Wheeling's Jazz Band Combo performs at the conference. The school's Jazz Band I appeared at the Midwest Clinic in 2008 and 2013.

"Wheeling High School has a special group of students that are not afraid of hard work and joyful music making," said Wheeling Band director Brian Logan.

The Jazz Program at Wheeling has performed at a variety of notable venues, such as the Montreux Jazz Festival, Umbria Jazz Festival, Valdarno Jazz Festival and The Jazz Showcase. Wheeling's jazz students have also had success in competition, winning numerous "Grand Champion" and "Outstanding Soloist" awards at the Jazz in the Meadows Festival and North Shore Jazz Festival. The school's Jazz Program consistently has musicians who earn IMEA District 7 and All-State honors.

Wheeling alumna Haley Reinhart will join the combo for the Dec. 16 performance. As a student, Reinhart, who placed third in the 10th season of American Idol, performed with Jazz Band 1 for the Montreux Jazz Festival and Umbria Jazz Festival.

Though the Dec. 16 performance is not open to the public, the ensemble will perform at the upcoming Jazz in the Meadows Festival and North Shore Jazz Festival.

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