On Saturday, April 1, 2017, The University of Illinois Jazz Trombone Octet performed Anthems for the Opening of the Chicago Fire Soccer match against the Montreal Impact.  For the occasion, they played the Canadian and American National Anthems, both arranged by U of I graduate and current Chief Arranger for the US Marine Band, "The President's Own", Scott Ninmer (Bachelors in Jazz Trombone, 2011).  For those keeping score, the match ended in a 2-2 tie.

Justin Copeland (DMA, Jazz Trumpet) placed first in the Yamaha Jazz Solo Division of the 2017 National Trumpet Competition. The competition took place at Metropolitan State University in Denver, Colorado on March 23-25. Ten semifinalists were drawn from a nationwide search and competed for 3 finalist spots. The three finalists performed 3 selections of their choice with a professional rhythm section. Copeland performed Nardis by Miles Davis, Body and Soul by Johnny Green, and Au Privave by Charlie Parker.

Connor Frederick (Jazz Trombone Performance, Class of 2018) has won the National Jazz Trombone Soloist Division 1 Competition, sponsored by the US Army Band and the American Trombone Workshop. He competed in a live 'play-off' with 2 other finalists. Connor will have the opportunity to be a featured soloist in concert with the US Army "Blues" on Thursday, March 9, 2017. 

The U of I Jazz Division and School of Music are very proud of Connor and this wonderful acknowledgement of his talent, abilities and hard work. 

Following hot on the heels of winning of the 2017 National Jazz Trombone Ensemble competition (sponsored by the American Trombone Workshop and the US Army Band, Ft. Myer, VA), the U of I Jazz Trombone Ensemble (JTE) has also been named winners of the Kai Winding Jazz Trombone Ensemble competition. This competition is sponsored annually by the International Trombone Association (ITA) and culminates in a performance by the winning ensemble at the annual International Trombone Festival (ITF), this year being held at and sponsored by Redlands College, Redlands, CA.

The University of Illinois Jazz Trombone Ensemble has just been named the winner of the 2017 National Jazz Trombone Ensemble competition.  This prestigious and coveted Award is given annually by the American Trombone Workshop, sponsored by the US Army “Pershing’s Own” Band.  The Award will be presented at the group’s performance as part of the American Trombone Workshop at Brucker Hall, Ft. Myer, VA at 6pm EST (5pm CST) on Friday, March 10, 2017.

Connor Frederick (BM Jazz Trombone, Class of 2018) has been named a finalist for the 2017 National Solo Jazz Trombone  competition. This competition is held annually at the American Trombone Workshop, sponsored by the US Army “Pershing’s Own” Band.  Connor will compete against two other finalists in a "play-off" to be held at the American Trombone Workshop at Brucker Hall, Ft.