The Mount Si High School Jazz I Ensemble has been invited to perform at the prestigious Midwest Clinic International Band, Orchestra and Music Conference, Dec. 20 to 23, at McCormick Place West in Chicago, Ill.

The Midwest Clinic is the world’s largest instrumental music education conference and it is celebrating its 71st year. The conference hosts over 17,500 attendees from all 50 states and 30 countries worldwide.

Mount Si’s Jazz I Ensemble is one of only three high school groups to be selected as a featured jazz performer The other high school jazz bands invited are from California and Australia.

“We are extremely proud of our students for this fantastic accomplishment!” said co-directors of Mount Si High School bands, William Leather and Matthew Wenman.

Mount Si Jazz 1 band members who will be attending include Paula Bachtal, Jason Bergquist, Jackson Beymer, Nathen Byford, Charles Carman, Analise Chiu, Sage Eisenhour, Parker Grady, Sean Hakala, Daniel Henriksen, Ryan Horn, James Kolke, Christian Palomo, Andy Pantoja Valerio, Sebastian Rowland, Sarah Spencer, Paul Talens, Erik Thurston, and Elijah Wray.

Auditions for this honor began last spring. In March music directors submitted an application to the Midwest Clinic Board of Directors that included information about the history of the school’s music program, current recordings of the Jazz I band showcasing a variety of styles, and letters of recommendation from prominent band directors in Washington State.

What began in 1946 as 120 music directors meeting for six hours in a Chicago YMCA gym, has grown into the annual four-day music band and orchestra conference known as The Midwest Clinic International Band, Orchestra and Music Conference. For over 70 years, musicians, educators and people passionate about music education of all skill levels have gathered in Chicago for the largest music conference of its kind. The conference offers guests interested in music education an array of clinics and exhibits, access to music and teaching icons, networking opportunities, and a showcase of new ideas and talent through 50+ concerts.

For more information about The Midwest Clinic, visit www.midwestclinic.org.