While most Seattle students spent their spring break traveling with family or enjoying a rare sunny week at home, 44 students from the Hamilton International Middle School Jazz Program spent the week working hard to impress the tough judges at the prestigious Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival.
The young musicians won three first place trophies during their trip to Moscow, Idaho. The school’s Vocal Jazz Ensemble took the top prize in the Junior Division as well as first place in the Junior Vocal Solo category. Students from the school’s Jazz Band won both first place and runner-up in the Junior Instrumental Combo category. The jazz program is led by veteran Seattle Public Schools music teacher Angela Pence.
For many of the students, this was their first opportunity to perform in a music competition. “The festival was an incredible experience,“ said 7th grade Vocal Jazz student Mimi Schweikart. “Although everyone put so much work into our performance, it was still a huge surprise to win. I’m so proud of our vocal group and I can’t wait to return next year!“
“The festival was amazing,” added 7th grade Vocal Jazz student Aislynn Riffell. “The judges’ feedback will help us improve as we develop as musicians and participate in our upcoming festivals.”
The jazz program has an intense schedule of festivals and performances in the coming months, including Jazz Night at the middle school on June 5 which is free and open to the public.
Over 2,000 students took part in the 58th Annual Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival at the University of Idaho this year. The festival is one of the largest and oldest educational jazz festivals in the world.
Hamilton Jazz Night
June 5, 2025, 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Hamilton International Middle School
1610 N 41st St, Seattle, WA 98103
