Jack Deahl, a senior at Southeast Polk High School, was recognized at the School Board meeting for earning the opportunity to join other outstanding musicians from across the nation as part of Music for All’s 2024 Jazz Band of America. Deahl was selected from applicants from across America for membership in this prestigious national honor ensemble for the second consecutive year! Deahl is the son of Jamie and Stephanie Deahl. He is a member of Southeast Polk’s Jazz One under the direction of Jayson Gerth.
Jack Deahl plays drums and was selected by audition to rehearse and perform in concert as part of the Music for All National Festival, presented by Yamaha, March 21-23 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Jazz Band of America is recognized as one of the finest scholastic ensembles in America.
Deahl joins fellow Jazz Band of America members from 11 states, representing 18 high schools. Ron McCurdy, Professor of Music at the USC Thornton School of Music, will conduct the band.
The Jazz Band of America will perform in concert at 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 23, at Howard L. Schrott Center of the Arts on the Butler University campus. Members will also participate in student workshops and special Festival events. We’ll catch up with Jack after the concert to get his perspective on the experience.
Jack has been honored as an outstanding jazz soloist at jazz festivals for the past four years. He has also been recognized as an outstanding soloist in the Southeast Polk Wind Ensemble, performing solo pieces in concert. Jack is also a two year member of the Iowa All State Jazz Bands, winning auditions during both his freshman and sophomore years.
“Jack is an exceptionally talented young man and dedicated student of jazz drumming,” shared Jayson Gerth. “I’ve worked with many highly motivated and talented young people at Southeast Polk, and Jack ranks among the most intuitive, most creative, and most hard working. And better yet, he’s as good of a person as he is a drummer!”
Members were selected by recorded audition and evaluated by leading music educators.
“To be selected from among their peers for membership in this national ensemble is a great achievement and honor,” says James P. Stephens, Jr., Director of Advocacy and Educational Resources for Music for All. “The Jazz Band of America members are ambassadors of America’s music programs, as well as their states, schools, and communities.”
The Music for All National Festival will bring more than 3,000 outstanding school musicians and scholastic musical ensembles to Indianapolis to perform and celebrate musical excellence. Music and arts are vital parts of a well-rounded education and have intrinsic benefits for students. In addition to the Jazz Band of America, the 2024 Festival includes the Honor Band of America. First held in 1992, the Music for All National Festival, presented by Yamaha, is an annual program of Music for All, one of the nation’s largest and most influential organizations in support of active music making, headquartered in Indianapolis.
Congratulations Jack!
