SCHOLARSHIP & AWARD WINNERS
These are the WINNERS of SCHOLARSHIPS & AWARDS Sponsored By JAZZ UNLIMITED
They Will Ensure The FUTURE Of JAZZ In Milwaukee and Wherever They Go
2023 SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS - $11,000
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These are the WINNERS of SCHOLARSHIPS & AWARDS Sponsored By JAZZ UNLIMITED
They Will Ensure The FUTURE Of JAZZ In Milwaukee and Wherever They Go
2023 SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS - $11,000
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Watch a Short Video of the Scholarship Competition ! HERE
Courtesy: Mark Ward Video Mark Ward Video.com
The room was Electric as 34 Talented Musicians checked in for the Competition. The only Section not represented were the Strings. We are still hoping someone will compete with a Violin or Cello. We did have a Vibraphone this year. (Google It). It Once Again Proved To Be An INCREDIBLE SCHOLARSHIP COMPETITION with the Very Talented Performers Ranging in age From 10 to 18 Years Old. Their Song Selection is Expanding as we heard some Funk and Fusion as well as The Old Classics And Standards, All Performed at a Very High Skill Level.
The Beautiful
Venue at The HIDEAWAY was packed with Parents,
Relatives, Friends And Jazz Lovers Of ALL Ages. The JUDGES
Once again had their hands full and then some. It again was a
very difficult decision as Only A FEW POINTS Separated
The Performers in the various categories. WINNERS received an
Award Purse Of $11,000 !!
I Again Commented To The COMPETITORS That There Is Nothing More Difficult Than Performing In Front Of YOUR PEERS. Each And Everyone Of Them Should Be Very Proud Of Their Very Incredible Performances.
CONGRATULATIONS To ALL The
Very Talented Young JAZZ MUSICIANS.
*** It should be noted that Awards have been given out since 1989. OVER $106,000 Since 2002 ***
ALL BECAUSE OF YOU, OUR MANY GENEROUS SUPPORTERS !
Mike Mecha
Scholarship Chair
2023 Photos Courtesy of Karen Drexler
Former Winners that are Successful in the Music Industry: Bryan Lynch: Trumpet & Grammy Winner
Jason Fabus: Sax, Piano, Educator, Master in Music, Session Recording Artist in LA
Kwasi Stampley: Guitar, Artist, Producer Jordan Rattner: Guitar Instructor Ann Arbor, MI
Josh Catania: Piano, Composer Jon Blessing: Berkeley College of Music
We wish All our former competitors the Very Best wherever their Music Endeavours take them.
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Our 2023 Judges: (Left to Right) Sherwood Alper Sue Russell Joe Turano Mike DeRose Bill Seaman (Critique Judge) (Yes, I know this is a Tough Job Sherwood) |
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| LIAM JAKUBOWSKI: $1,500 Wayne “Zim” | CARLY JANSCHA: $1,000 Mike D’Amore | LILIAN ALBURG: $1,000 Augie Ray Best |
| Zimmermann Showmanship Award | Vocalist Live Performance Memorial Award | Jazz Vocalist Memorial Award |
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| JOHN TSAGALIS: $1,000 Douglas M. and | LUCAS LABEAU: $750 Frank DeMiles | PABLO BEISSER: $750 In Plane View |
| Eleanor M. Gmoser Best Reed Player Award | (Dominguez) Memorial Award - Piano / Vocal | AGE 15 Best Performer Award |
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| JAZHAEL VILLALPANDO: $750 Best | AIDAN BRUSUBARDIS: $750 Best | LUKE MURRAY: $750 |
| Instrumentalist / Vocalist Award | Instrumentalist / Vocalist Award | AGE 15 Best Guitarist Award |
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| JOE LORENZ: $500 Jane Giliberty | LOGAN KRUEGER: $500 "The Oak | RILEY KRUEGER: AGE 13 $500 “Taps for |
| Best Drummer Award | Creek Lions" Best Performer Award | VETERANS” Bill Seaman Best Horn Player Award |
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| ADYN HAMANN: $500 | PETRA MUSANTE: AGE 13 $250 | LILYAN KUNSMANN: AGE 13 $250 |
| Best Wind Instrumentalist Award | "Tony Mare" Baritone Vocalist Award | Theodore "Ted" Peppas Memorial Youth Award |
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| AARON COWAP: AGE 11 | LEAH KUNSMANN: AGE 14 $250 | HEINRICH KUNSMANN: AGE 10 |
| The Future of Jazz | Theodore "Ted" Peppas Memorial Youth Award | The Future of Jazz |
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Just "Jammin" |
JACK GRINDE: AGE 13 VIBRAPHONE | Just "Jammin" |
| As the Judges Deliberate | The Future of Jazz | As the Judges Deliberate |
| OUR OTHER WORTHY COMPETITORS | ||
| SAM MITICH BRADY GUTH | CECILIA BARTHEL ELIZABETH FEIST | GARETT MONIS LIAM NOLAN |
| FLORA MIROSLAW | SVEND LUKE MICHAEL PLUMRIDGE | JACK MONAGLE JONAS DASO |
| CLAIRE OLVER | HOGAN KOLOWRAT | ISAIAH OLIG |
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Our 2022 Judges:
(Left to Right) Taras Nahirniak Sherwood Alper Sue Russell Joe Turano |
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| Yishayahu Levin: $1,000 Wayne “Zim” | Lillian Alburg: $1,000 Mike D’Amore Vocalist | Ariel Marks: $1,000 Augie Ray Best Vocalist |
| Zimmermann Showmanship Award | Live Performance Memorial Award | Live Performance Memorial Award |
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Liam Jakubowski: $1,000 Douglas M. and |
Felix Koch: $750 Frank DeMiles |
Ariel Marks: $750 Best Performer Award |
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Eleanor M. Gmoser Best Reed Player Award |
(Dominguez) Memorial Award - Piano / Vocal |
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Yishayahu Levin: $750 Best |
Eli Miller: $750 Best Guitarist Award |
Luke Murray: $500 In Lessons 2nd Place |
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Instrumentalist / Vocalist Award |
And $1000 In Lessons From Dick Eliot |
Guitarist Award From Dick Eliot |
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| Jack Monagle: $525 Jane Giliberty | Christian Maxwell Bird: $500 | Charlie White: $500 "Taps For Veterans" |
| Drummer Award | Best Drummer Award | Bill Seaman Best Horn Player Award |
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$50 Gift Card Recipients: Leah Kunsmann, Aidan Williams-Brusubardis, Zach Fitgerald, Tony Austin, Mack Toson, Flora Miroslaw, Heinrich Kunsmann, Joe Lorenz, Cassius Kasza |
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| Lilyan Kunsmann: $250 Theodore "Ted" | Luke Murray: $250 Theodore "Ted" | |
| Peppas Memorial Youth Award | Peppas Memorial Youth Award |
| Brendan Mortensen - Guitar - $1000 | Liam Jakubowski - Tenor Sax - $1000 | Damien Blair - Vocalist - $1000 |
| Mike D'Amore Instrumentalist Live Performance | Wayne "Zim" Zimmerman Showmanship | Best Jazz Vocalist Award |
| Christian Leitner - Clarinet & Sax - $1000 | Yishayahu Levin - Bass - $750 | Charlie White - Trombone - $750 |
| Douglas & Eleanore Gmoser Best Reed Player | Best Instrumentalist | Best Instrumentalist |
| Felix Koch - Piano - $750 | Lucas LaBeau - Piano - $750 | Zachary Fitgerald - Trumpet - $500 |
| Best Instrumentalist | Frank DeMiles (Dominguez) Memorial Award | ‘Taps for Veterans’ Bill Seaman Best Horn |
| Eli Miller - Drums - $500 | Joe Lorenz - Drums - $500 | |
| Mike D'Amore Drummers Live Performance | Mike D'Amore Drummers Live Performance | |
| Jack Monagle - Drums - $250 | Luke Murray - Guitar - $250 | |
| Theodore “Ted” Peppas Memorial Youth Award | Theodore “Ted” Peppas Memorial Youth Award |
OTHER 2021 JAZZ UNLIMITED SCHOLARSHIP PARTICIPANTS:
Ajay Singh, Trumpet • Crystal Russell, Vocal/Alto
John Tsagalis, Alto Sax • Joshua Turner, Trumpet • Julian
Singh, Drums • Nathaniel Frisque, Tenor Sax
Sunita Singh, Electric Bass
2020 Winners - $9000
| Laura Laberge - 18 - Vocalist - $1,500 | Christian Leitner - 16 - Clarinet - $1,000 | Elizabeth Bocksenbaum - 17 - Vocalist |
| Wayne “Zim” Zimmermann Showmanship Award | Douglas M. and Eleanor M. Gmoser | $1,000 Best Jazz Vocalist Award |
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Best Reed Player Award |
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| Jeffrey-Thomas Snow - 18 - Vocalist | Luke Murray - 12 - Guitar | Alex Feucht - 17 - Bass Guitar |
| $750 Most Unique & Original Vocalist Award | $750 Best Instrumentalist Award | $750 Best Instrumentalist Award |
| Nicholas Brooks - 17 - Baritone Sax | Charlie White - 15 - Trombone | Sam Patterson - 17 - Piano |
| $750 Best Instrumentalist Award | $750 “Taps for VETERANS” Bill Seaman | $750 Frank DeMiles (Dominguez) Memorial Award |
| Best Horn Player Award | ||
| Lucas LaBeau - 14 - Piano | Mike Mecha - Scholarship Chair | Joe Lorenz - 15 year old - Drums |
| $500 Theodore “Ted” Peppas Memorial Youth | $500 Theodore “Ted” Peppas Memorial Youth |
2019 Winners - $5000
| Josh Catania - Wayne "Zim" Zimmermann | George Davis - Douglas & Eleanor Gmoser | Lyle Rivera |
| Showmanship Award: $1000 | Best Reed Player: $1000 | Best Instrumentalist Awards: $500 |
| Jon Blessing | Jasper Kashou | Jordan Greer - Most Unique and Original |
| Best Instrumentalist Awards: $500 | Best Instrumentalist Awards: $500 | Vocalist Award (Donated by Mike Mecha): $500 |
| Xarion Latimore | Nicholas Peterson - Deirdre Fellner West End | Joe Lorenz - Deirdre Fellner West End |
| Best Jazz Vocalist Award: $500 | Conservatory Scholarship for 15 and Younger | Conservatory Scholarship for 15 and Younger |
| Jazz Students: $250 | Jazz Students: $250 |
2018 Winners - $5500
| Casimir Riley - 16 - Baritone Saxophonist | Josh Catania - 17 - Pianist | Kwasi Stampley - 16 - Guitarist |
| Douglas M. and Eleanor M. Gmoser Award | Chuck Hedges Award: $1000 | Wayne "Zim" Zimmerman |
| Best Reed Player : $1000 | Best Showmanship Award : $1000 | |
| Alex Borchardt, 17 - Drummer | Lyle Rivera, 16 - Guitarist | Jasper Kashou - Tenor Saxophonist |
| Jazz Unlimited Instrumentalist Award: $500 | Jazz Unlimited Instrumentalist Award: $500 | Jazz Unlimited Instrumentalist Award: $500 |
| Olyvia Marinez - 16 - Vocalist | Antonio Palmer - 14 - Guitarist | George Davis - 16 - Alto Saxophonist |
| Floyd Dorsey Vocalist Award: $500 | Deirdre Fellner West End Conservatory | Deirdre Fellner West End Conservatory |
| Scholarship for 15 and Younger Jazz Students: $250 | Scholarship for 15 and Younger Jazz Students: $250 |
2017 Winners - $4500
| Casimir Riley - Baritone Saxophonist | Josh Catania - Pianist | Dante Turkow - Guitarist |
| Douglas M. and Eleanor M. Gmoser Award: $1000 | Chuck Hedges Award: $1000 | Jazz Unlimited Award: $500 |
| Dan Van Zeeland - Pianist | Ben Piette - Drummer | Julia Rosenquist - Vocalist |
| Jazz Unlimited Award: $500 | Jazz Unlimited Award: $500 | Jazz Unlimited Vocalist Award: $500 |
| Travis Cooke - Trombone | Katherine Rosenberger - Trumpet | |
| Deirdre Fellner Scholarship Award: $250 | Deirdre Fellner Scholarship Award: $250 |
2016 Winners - $4000
| Alex Pavelic - Alto Saxophonist | Matthew Rotker-Lynn - Guitarist | Josh Catania - Pianist |
| Douglas M. and Eleanor M. Gmoser Award: $1000 | Chuck Hedges Award: $1000 | Jazz Unlimited Award: $500 |
| Travis Drow - Trumpet | PJ Rivers - Vocalist | Dan Van Zeeland - Pianist |
| Jazz Unlimited Award: $500 | Jazz Unlimited Vocalist Award: $500 | Deirdre Fellner Scholarship Award: $250 |
| Gideon Adams - Alto Saxophonist | ||
| Deirdre Fellner Scholarship Award: $250 |
| Brandon Polzin - 17 - Alto Sax | Travis Drow - 17 - Trumpet | Joshua Catania - 14 - Piano |
| Douglas M. and Eleanor M. Gmoser Award: $1000 | Chuck Hedges Award: $1000 | Jazz Unlimited Scholarship: $500 |
| Isaac Suprenant - 18 - Bass | Nathen Kay - 17 - Trumpet | Norskuski Rivers - 17 - Vocalist |
| Jazz Unlimited Scholarship: $500 | Jazz Unlimited Scholarship: $500 | Jazz Unlimited Scholarship: $500 |
| Amy Clapp - Tenor Sax | Jordan Rattner - Guitar | Travis Drow - 17 - Trumpet |
| Douglas M. and Eleanor M. Gmoser Award: $1000 | Chuck Hedges Award: $1000 | Jazz Unlimited Scholarship: $500 |
| Gervis Myles - Bass | Lily Lalios - Vocalist Soprano | Jackson Shepard - Guitar Nathen Kay - Trumpet |
| Jazz Unlimited Scholarship: $500 | Jazz Unlimited Scholarship: $500 | $250 Scholarship (Split Decision) |
| Lenard Simpson - Alto Sax | Jordan Rattner - Guitar | Peter Garofalo - Piano |
| Douglas M. and Eleanor M. Gmoser Award: $1000 | Chuck Hedges Award: $1000 | Jazz Unlimited Scholarship: $500 |
| Amy Clapp - Tenor Sax | Travis Drow - Trumpet | Grace McDonell - Vocals |
| Jazz Unlimited Scholarship: $500 | Jazz Unlimited Scholarship: $500 | Jazz Unlimited Scholarship: $500 |
| Amy Clapp - Tenor Sax | Lenard Simpson - Alto Sax | Tommy Rorabeck - Drums |
| Douglas M. and Eleanor M. Gmoser Award: $1000 | Chuck Hedges Award: $1000 | Jazz Unlimited Scholarship: $500 |
| Jake Richter - 17 - Drums | Peter Garofalo - 17 - Piano | Alexander Aldred - 17 - Trumpet |
| Jazz Unlimited Scholarship: $500 | Jazz Unlimited Scholarship: $500 | Jazz Unlimited Scholarship: $500 |
| Brandon Polzin - 14 - Alto Sax | Cameron Johannig - 18 - Piano | Brian Lenski Jr. - 17 - Tenor Sax |
| Jazz Unlimited Scholarship: $200 | Jazz Unlimited Scholarship: $200 | Jazz Unlimited Scholarship: $200 |
| Leonard Simpson - Saxophone | Alexander J. Aldred - Trumpet | Peter Garofalo - Piano |
| Jazz Unlimited Scholarship: $1000 | Jazz Unlimited Scholarship: $500 | Jazz Unlimited Scholarship: $500 |
| Melvin Jagodzinski - Trumpet | Brian Lenski Jr. - Saxophone | Nick Mace - Percussion |
| Jazz Unlimited Scholarship: $500 | Jazz Unlimited Scholarship: $200 | Jazz Unlimited Scholarship: $200 |
| Jake Richter - Percussion | ||
| Jazz Unlimited Scholarship: $200 |
2010 Winners - $3100
| Dylan Ovanin - Alto Saxophone | Sam Neufeld - Trumpet | James Kroner - String Bass |
| Jazz Unlimited Scholarship: $500 | Jazz Unlimited Scholarship: $500 | Jazz Unlimited Scholarship: $500 |
| Justin Wells - Alto Saxophone | Kenny Reichart / Matthew Brooks - Guitar | Ryan Krofta - Trombone |
| Jazz Unlimited Scholarship: $500 | Jazz Unlimited Scholarship: Shared $500 | Jazz Unlimited Scholarship: $200 |
| Peter Garofalo - Piano | Brian Lenski Jr. - Saxophone | |
| Jazz Unlimited Scholarship: $200 | Jazz Unlimited Scholarship: $200 |
2009 Winners - $3100
| Matt Brooks - Guitar | Sam Neufeld - Trumpet | Dylan Ovanin - Alto Saxophone |
| Jazz Unlimited Scholarship: $500 | Jazz Unlimited Scholarship: $500 | Jazz Unlimited Scholarship: $500 |
| Ian Haegele - Double Bass | Justin Keller / Bradley Reynolds - Reed Instruments | Melvin Jagodzinski - Trumpet |
| Jazz Unlimited Scholarship: $500 | Jazz Unlimited Scholarship: Shared $500 | $200 Lessons |
| Dylan Koch - Drums | Ryan Krofta - Trombone | |
| $200 Lessons | $200 Lessons |
2008 Winners - $2800
| Michael Arndt - Sax | Alex Kreger - Piano | Sam Neufeld - Trumpet |
| Jazz Unlimited Scholarship: $500 | Jazz Unlimited Scholarship: $500 | Jazz Unlimited Scholarship: $500 |
| Eric Schoor - Alto Sax | Justin Keller - Alto Sax | Melvin Jagadinski - Trumpet |
| Jazz Unlimited Scholarship: $500 | Jazz Unlimited Scholarship: $200 | Jazz Unlimited Scholarship: $200 |
| Bianca Kue - Tenor Sax | Bradley Reynolds - Sax & Piano | |
| Jazz Unlimited Scholarship: $200 | Jazz Unlimited Scholarship: $200 |
2007 Winners - Not Much Info for This Year but Estimating $3000 in Awards
| Jason Fabus - Sax | ||
| Jazz Camp Scholarship: $500 |
2006 Winners - $3100
| Jason Fabus - Sax | Alex Kreger - Piano | Peter Runge |
| Jazz Camp Scholarship: $500 | Jazz Camp Scholarship: $500 | Jazz Camp Scholarship: $500 |
| Ian Gee | Sam Odin | Andrew Hartinger |
| Jazz Camp Scholarship: $500 | Jazz Camp Scholarship: $500 | Jazz Unlimited Scholarship Lessons: $200 |
| Nick Zoulek | Benjamin Pintar | |
| Jazz Unlimited Scholarship Lessons: $200 | Jazz Unlimited Scholarship Lessons: $200 |
2005 Winners - $3100
| Sam Odin | Tim Holdmann - Trumpet | Barry Clark - Bass |
| Jazz Camp Scholarship: $500 | Jazz Camp Scholarship: $500 | Jazz Camp Scholarship: $500 |
| Joseph Tysinski - Bass | David Wacker | Ian Gee |
| Jazz Camp Scholarship: $500 | Jazz Camp Scholarship: $500 | Jazz Unlimited Scholarship Lessons: $200 |
| Alex Kreger - Piano | Taylor Thompson | Elizabeth DuPont |
| Jazz Unlimited Scholarship Lessons: $200 | Jazz Unlimited Scholarship Lessons: $200 | Wisconsin Conservatory of Music Scholarship |
2004 Winners - $3100
| Arion Moosavi - Drums | Michael Skauge - Piano | David Boch - Trombone |
| Jazz Camp Scholarship: $500 | Jazz Camp Scholarship: $500 | Jazz Camp Scholarship: $500 |
| Joseph Tysinski - Bass | Barry Clark - Bass | Ian Gee |
| Jazz Camp Scholarship: $500 | Jazz Camp Scholarship: $500 | Jazz Unlimited Scholarship Lessons: $200 |
| Alex Kreger - Piano | Tim Holdman - Trumpet | Spencer Jenich - Piano |
| Jazz Unlimited Scholarship Lessons: $200 | Jazz Unlimited Scholarship Lessons: $200 | Wisconsin Conservatory of Music Scholarship |
2003 Winners - $3100
| Joseph Sunder - Guitar | Andrew Zaller - Vibes & Drums | Barry Clark - Bass |
| Jazz Camp Scholarship: $500 | Jazz Camp Scholarship: $500 | Jazz Camp Scholarship: $500 |
| Kyle Good - Drums | Alan Linney - Bass | Tim Holdmann - Trumpet |
| Jazz Camp Scholarship: $500 | Jazz Camp Scholarship: $500 | Jazz Unlimited Scholarship Lessons: $400 |
| Mike Damico - Piano | ||
| Jazz Unlimited Scholarship Lessons: $200 |
2002 Winners - $3600
| Philip Dizack - Trumpet | Andy Bauer - Drums | David Hartsman - Alto Sax |
| Jazz Camp Scholarship: $500 | Jazz Camp Scholarship: $500 | Jazz Camp Scholarship: $500 |
| Kyle Good - Drums | Aki Ishigoro - Guitar | Ben Preuss - Drums |
| Jazz Camp Scholarship: $500 | Jazz Camp Scholarship: $500 | Jazz Camp Scholarship: $500 |
| Matt Bamberger - Drums | Tony Jakab - Alto Sax | Daniel Causier - Guitar |
| Jazz Unlimited Scholarship Lessons: $200 | Jazz Unlimited Scholarship Lessons: $200 | Jazz Unlimited Scholarship Lessons: $200 |
