23 years, and Jazz in the Meadows keeps rolling

Wheeling High School's jazz band defied the odds.

Despite being placed in the most competitive class at Saturday's Jazz in the Meadows Festival that featured such powerhouses as Lake Zurich, Mundelein, Elk Grove, Warren Township, Libertyville and Prospect, high schools -- as well as four-time winner Hersey High School -- they advanced.

The Wildcats not only won the division, they were crowned the 2008 grand champion.

"It was a privilege to get to play in the final concert," Wheeling band director Brian Logan said, "and a thrill to represent our class."

Wheeling emerged as the top band at the 23rd annual festival, which drew bands from 60 schools, playing 114 performances scattered across Rolling Meadows High School. Cooper Middle School in Buffalo Grove won top honors for junior highs for the seventh time.

By winning its division, Wheeling joined the other three class winners in playing in the grand finale concert, including 14-time winner Decatur MacArthur, Illinois Valley Central and Penn high schools, before the College of Lake County's jazz ensemble performed.

"Every school in our class had a solid ensemble, it's just that I think our soloists were exceptional," Logan said.

In the final concert, Wheeling played the big band song, "Dear Old Stockholm," featuring soloists Brendan Doshi on piano, Andrew Panzer on flugelhorn and Kevin Taylor on drums.

"I can honestly say, that's the best they've ever played it," Logan added.

During the daylong festival, most bands played three pieces showcasing different styles. Libertyville High School opened with an up-tempo swing number before playing a more melodic ballad, and finishing with the funky, "Uncle Heavy's Pork Chop Revue."

"We like our chances, but we have to watch our rhythm, style and phrasing," senior baritone saxophone player Matthew Karnstedt said.

The jazz band from Warren Township High School in Gurnee hoped to stand out with its performance of "Count Bubba," originally recorded by Gordon Goodwin's Big Phat Band.

"It swings pretty hard, and people get pretty excited when we play it," sophomore trumpeter Danny Kleine said.

Rolling Meadows' two jazz bands and its combo performed as non-competitive ensembles, but they still gleaned valuable information from the clinicians.

"They told us to work on our articulation and keeping the band tight," said senior John Becker, who plays both guitar and electric violin in the different ensembles.

Rolling Meadows band director Chris Buti said the festival continues to be a big draw among middle school and high school band programs, even in its 23rd year.

"It's a beast that flows," Buti said. "Schools come back year after year because they know that they will be playing before professional musicians, and get valuable feedback. There's a definite educational value."