On April 12, Peru State Bands hosted their annual Jazz Festival, a workshop-based performance opportunity to assist jazz ensembles in the region prepare for upcoming contests/concerts and to reinforce the excellent instruction provided by their middle and high school directors. This year’s festival included six groups:
- Mission Middle School
- Logan Fontenelle Middle School
- Norris High School
- Humboldt Table Rock Steinauer High School
- Southern High School
- Nebraska City Middle School
This event also included two performances by the Peru State College Jazz Ensemble.
The 2024 edition of the Peru State Jazz Festival featured distinguished music educator, Bob Krueger, who brought a wealth of knowledge as the Music Director for the Lincoln Municipal Band, Conductor of the Nebraska Symphony Chamber Orchestra, performing member of the Nebraska Jazz Orchestra, and from his long tenure in music education with Lincoln and Omaha Public Schools, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Doane University, and the Lincoln Youth Symphony.
“It was a pleasure having the opportunity to host the 2024 Peru State Jazz Festival in our wonderful facilities here at Peru State College. The event was a great success and a shining example of our enthusiasm to support the important work of our music teachers.” – Dr. Scott Walker-Parker, Director of Instrumental Activities at Peru State College.
The Jazz Festival is coordinated by Mr. Mark Benson who leads the Jazz Ensemble and Woodwind Studio at Peru State College.
