DownBeat magazine, the most respected jazz magazine in the world, has named the Elmhurst College Jazz Band the best Large Jazz Ensemble in its 37th Annual DownBeat Student Music Awards.

This is the first year that Elmhurst has won in the Large Jazz Ensemble category for undergraduate institutions, over such other nominees as the Eastman School of Music and Utah State University.

This year, an Elmhurst College student also was recognized, for his original composition work. Composer and trumpeter Jon Rarick received an Outstanding Performance award for his piece, “Blues for a Nearly Perfect Line.” Described as a “brilliant original” by Elmhurst College Jazz Band Director Doug Beach, the piece appears on the Jazz Band’s newest CD, Love For Sale.

The Elmhurst College Jazz Band has received Outstanding Performance awards on three other occasions, but this year marks the first time that the band has won in an ensemble category. It also marks the fourth time in the past five years that the band has been recognized by DownBeat.

“The contest carries a great deal of prestige, and awards are highly coveted,” Beach said. “Both of these awards bring honor and esteem to our Jazz Studies program and to Elmhurst College. They speak volumes about the talent of our students and how hard they work.”

For more information about the Elmhurst College music program, call (630) 617-3515 or visit the Department of Music’s website.