The Reno Jazz Festival, held on the Campus of University of Nevada, Reno, is the largest regional festival in the western United States and sponsors a competitive forum for Big Bands, Combos, and Jazz Choirs, for Middle School, High School, and Collegiate ensembles.
Historically, the CSU Northridge Jazz Ensembles have fared well in the 4 yr College Division, with combos and big bigs receiving unanimous superior ratings and regularly placing 1st (the Jazz A Band has won first place for a number of years).
While being compared to the number 1 bands from other 4yr Colleges and Universities in previous festivals, the Jazz B Band has placed amongst the top 4 bands for a number of years; this is the first occasion that the band has taken first place, triumphing over number one bands in the division.
Selected from amongst all the collegiate participants at the festival were Carl Engstrom, trombone and Austin Drake, trumpet; they were awarded Outstanding Collegiate Performer medals.
A special nod is due the outstanding musicianship citation recipients, Garek Najita - lead trumpet, Drew Dennett - double bass, and Matt Jamele, drums.
Outstanding Collegiate Performers
- Carl Engstrom - Trombone
- Austin Drake - Trumpet
Outstanding Musicianship Awards
- Garek Najita - Tumpet
- Drew Dennett - Double Bass
- Matt Jamele - Drums