Two Mountlake Terrace High School Jazz Musicians were recently selected to perform in prestigious jazz groups.
Sophie Ionitsa, sophomore Jazz 1 pianist, was selected to perform in the Next Generation Women in Jazz Combo.
The Next Generation Women in Jazz Combo was created in 2019 to feature top high school women jazz players from throughout the United States. This small combo, directed by award-winning bassist, vocalist and composer Katie Thiroux , ensemble members are selected based on set criteria through video auditions. The group has performed at the Monterey Jazz Festival, the Next Generation Jazz Festival, the Jazz Education Network Conference, and at Berklee College of Music where they workshopped with Terri Lyne Carrington at the Berklee Institute of Jazz and Gender Justice.
2026 NGWIJC musicians will be invited to the 69th Monterey Jazz Festival Monterey Jazz Festival , September 25-27, 2026 for rehearsals, performances, master classes, and workshops. 2026 NGWIJC musicians will be featured in a performance with Next Generation Jazz Orchestra on the main Arena stage.
2026 NGWIJC musicians will be invited to Berklee School of Music for performances and auditions in January 2026.
Luca Manzo, junior Jazz 1 drummer, was selected Washington All State Jazz Band – Drums. This is Luca’s third year in a row to be selected to All State Jazz Band!
Each year, the Washington Music Educators Association (WMEA) selects outstanding musicians from Washington State to participate in All-State and Junior All-State performing groups. Accomplished musicians are selected from thousands of students who audition to participate in these prestigious ensembles.
High School Jazz and all Junior All-State ensembles will take place during the 2026 WMEA conference in Yakima. High School Jazz will take place on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, February 12, 13 and 14, 2026. Over the course of these 3 days, students participate in a packed itinerary of rehearsals, sectionals and activities and performed in concert under the direction of world-renowned conductors.
Congratulations both Jazz 1 musicians!
