The festivities were so well received that Brooks and Helen Barrett, along with their friend, Benny Benedum, continued the festival so they could showcase musical talents in their area.
“What’s unique about this (competition) is there’s an opportunity if you win in your class, you get to compete again in front of a panel of five judges,” Behrens said.
The Beloit Memorial Jazz Orchestra performed in an evening concert along with other top bands from Classes 1A, 2A, and 4A. They were named the Grand Champions of “Jazz in the Meadows” again, having previously won the title in 2018 and 2019.
The Beloit Memorial Jazz Orchestra also is preparing for their upcoming trip to New York for the Essentially Ellington Jazz Competition at the Lincoln Center in May. This will mark the 11th year for the Beloit Memorial High School Jazz Band competing in the event. High school musicians from all over the country will be competing in the event.
The festivities were so well received that Brooks and Helen Barrett, along with their friend, Benny Benedum, continued the festival so they could showcase musical talents in their area.