Mountain View Jazz Band

Twenty student musicians from Mountain View High School performed at the world’s largest instrumental music education conference in December. The school’s Jazz Band 1 was selected to participate in the 79th Annual Midwest Clinic International Band and Orchestra Conference in Chicago.

The Mountain View musicians, under the tutelage of band director Sam Ormson, recorded three performances in February to submit as a blind audition. In April, they received the news that they were one of five bands, out of hundreds that auditioned, that were selected to perform.

"Being invited to perform at the Midwest Clinic is a monumental achievement for our program," Ormson said. “This opportunity reflects the achievement, dedication and hard work of our students, and we are thrilled to represent our school and community on such a prestigious stage."

The Midwest Clinic annually attracts 18,000 attendees from all 50 states and more than 40 countries. It serves as a showcase for outstanding ensembles and a development opportunity for music students and educators. 

The selection added to the Mountain View Jazz Band’s history of achievement under Ormson and Jazz Band II director Mark Claassen, including being a four-time sweepstakes winner at the Clark College Festival. The ensemble is known for its commitment to the swing traditions of the Count Basie Orchestra as well as pushing boundaries with modern big band music.

"This trip really symbolizes how important it is to have jazz programs in school because, look where it can take you," said Rey Notarte, a senior. "You can go and teach other people how to use their jazz program in their school. I wouldn't be who I am today without this jazz program."

The Mountain View Jazz Band and other music programs in Evergreen Public Schools are made possible by the generosity of voters who approved the Educational Programs & Operations levy in February.