Sam Aubuchon (bass, 2^nd year in JazzU)

Sam is a junior at West St. Francois County High School where he is a member of the jazz band. He has been selected for the all-district band the last two years and was selected to perform a duet with saxophonist Melissa Aldana at the 2018 Mineral Area College Jazz Festival. After high school, Sam hopes to move to New York to pursue his studies and a career in jazz. He studies bass with JazzU teaching artist Bob DeBoo. Outside of music, Sam enjoys spending time with his family, playing basketball, and fishing.

Kendal Blumenthal (saxophone, 3^rd year in JazzU)

Kendal is a senior at Seckman High School where she performs with the marching band, jazz band, symphonic band, and concert band. She has been selected for her all-district concert band all four years of high school, her all-district jazz band three years, the Missouri all-state concert band for three years, and the Missouri all-state jazz band last year. This past summer, she was chosen as an alternate for the NAFME All-National Concert Band. After high school, Kendal plans to pursue a degree in music education. She has studied saxophone with her band director, Ben Middleton, and Joel Vanderheyden, professor of music at Jefferson College. Outside of music, Kendal is a part of her school’s Letterman’s Club and a member of the National Honor Society.

Haik Demirchian (trombone, 2^nd year in JazzU)

Haik is a junior at Fort Zumwalt West High School where he performs with the marching band, two jazz bands (one on piano), and wind ensemble. Outside of school, he has participated in his district jazz band and plays in his county’s brass band. After high school, Haik hopes to study music and eventually become and high school band director. He studies trombone with Dr. Matt Fredrickson and improvisation with his band director, Keith Moyer. Haik loves to travel and is very involved with the local Armenian community.

Chris Hartung (guitar, 3^rd year in JazzU)

Chris is a junior at Saint Louis University High School where he participates in the jazz band and jazz combo. He has participated in the all-suburban jazz band both in middle school and high school. After high school, Chris plans to pursue a degree in either engineering or mathematics while playing guitar on the side. He has studied classical guitar with Kirk Hanser and jazz guitar with Adam Hansborough, Travis Lewis, and Tom Byrne. Outside of music, Chris enjoys lacrosse and sailing and spends his summers working as a sailing instructor in Saugatuck, Michigan.

Daniel Herrera (piano, 4^th year in JazzU)

Danial is a junior at Westminster Christian Academy where he performs with the concert band and jazz band. After high school, he hopes to study both music and engineering in college, pursuing a career in engineering while keeping music as a valuable part of his life. He has studied piano with Southern Illinois University Edwardsville professors Dr. Huei Li Chin and Kris Pineda and with JazzU instructor Adaron “Pops” Jackson. Outside of music, Daniel enjoys swimming, soccer, and reading.

Noah Ford (drums, 3^rd year in JazzU)

Noah is a junior at Lindbergh High School where he plays in the jazz ensemble, pit orchestra, symphonic band, symphonic percussion ensemble, and the symphony orchestra. He participated in Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Band Camp and been selected to both the All-Suburban and Missouri All-State jazz bands. After high school, Noah plans to attend a music conservatory and pursue a music career in either production or performance. He has studied drums with Kevin Gianino, Gary Hobbs, and Miles Vandiver. Outside of music, Noah enjoys working in theatre tech.

Claire Maue (saxophone, 3^rd year in JazzU)

Claire is a junior at Hillsboro High School. She performs with the Jefferson College Jazz Ensemble and Community Concert Band and has played in her all-district jazz band. She plans on studying music performance and pursuing a career in music after high school. Claire has studied saxophone with Joel Vanderheyden, professor of music at Jefferson College, and Jason Swagler, instructor for the JSL All-Stars and director of jazz studies at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. Outside of music, Claire enjoys spending time with her friends and family.