Seven McHenry County College jazz musicians win top awards at Skyway Festival
Three students from McHenry County College's Jazz Ensemble won Outstanding Soloist Awards and four students won honorable mention at the recent 2017 Illinois Skyway Collegiate Jazz Festival.
Students who received Outstanding Soloist awards are: Ron Schatz of South Elgin, tenor saxophone player, Bruce Lane of Cary, trumpet player and Dylan Bilodeau of Crystal Lake, tenor saxophone player.
Honorable mentions were awarded to: pianist Molly Schwieger of Wonder Lake, guitarist Nicki Warren of Sleepy Hollow, drummer Spencer Olea of Wonder Lake, and trombonist Sam Schatz of South Elgin.
The MCC Jazz Ensemble is directed by Michael Bazan.
Six colleges participated in this year's festival that took place at Elgin Community College Oct. 28, including MCC, Moraine Valley College, Oakton Community College, Elgin Community College, Waubonsee Community College and Prairie State College.