Lawrence University Jazz Singers Cited by Down Beat Magazine

APPLETON, WIS. -- For the sixth time in the last eight years, Lawrence University's jazz program has been recognized for excellence by Down Beat magazine.

The Lawrence University Jazz Singers picked up their second Down Beat honor, sharing the "outstanding performance" award in the college division vocal group category with California's De Anza College in the magazine's 25th annual student music awards contest. The LU Jazz Singers won the vocal group performance award in 1992. The 2002 Down Beat award is Lawrence's 10th overall since winning its first in 1985.

Winners of the awards -- known as "DBs" -- are considered among the highest honors accorded college and high school music students. This year's winners will be announced in the magazine's upcoming June edition.

The Jazz Singers were cited for their performance of "Lonely Woman" and "Soy un Boligrafo," both of which were arranged by senior Ali Losik of Appleton, and Darmon Meader's "In the Silence of Time."

"It's always a thrill and an honor to be nationally recognized as one of the best at what you do," said Associate Professor of Music Richard Bjella, who co-directs the Jazz Singers with Chris Salerno. "We like to hope that we're getting the job done here, but to have Down Beat confirm that is extremely gratifying."

The Jazz Singers will perform with the Lawrence University Jazz Ensemble in a concert Friday, June 7 at 8 p.m. in the Lawrence Memorial Chapel.