Jazz students and groups from WSU received recognition for their outstanding performances on “College Day” at the 2007 Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival. The prestigious festival brought musical groups together from across the U.S. and Canada for several nights of competition and entertainment. WSU’s Jazz Big Band, directed by coordinator of jazz studies Greg Yasinitsky, was awarded first place in the College Guest Band division. Along with acknowledgments for group performances, several WSU students and staff members were recognized for their individual talent. Matt Lanka was awarded the Outstanding College Baritone Sax Solo Award, Troy Robey earned the Outstanding College Bass Solo Award, John Gronberg received the Outstanding College Vocal Tenor Solo Award, and Adam Donohue was given the Outstanding Instrumental Composition prize. Two of these were also selected to perform with the Hampton New York Big Band on Saturday evening. “I played with John Gronberg, who won the tenor vocal award. He was great. He’s a real musician and can really make things happen musically,” said Robey. “His main instrument is the trumpet, but he decided to enter as a singer this year.” Tenor sax player Adam Donohue was also selected to perform.

“He’s got a lot of sophistication and is also a very accomplished band leader,” Robey said. “He’s a real leader in the music program at WSU.” One challenge for the festival that was unknown to many was the treacherous weather. Heavy snows blocked the roads and slowed traffic, causing many of the band members to arrive late and some to miss the festival entirely. “In spite of the weather problems and added stress, the group rose to the occasion and gave a terrific performance,” Yasinitsky said. “They represented WSU musical talent at its best.”