Time:
Thursday
December, 18, 2025
01:30 PM - 02:30 PM
Location:
W196
Category
High School Jazz Ensemble
Performer Details
Performer Bio Synopsis
The Mountain View High School Jazz Ensemble is one of the premier high school jazz programs in the Pacific Northwest, consistently demonstrating excellence on regional and national stages. The jazz program consists of two ensembles, serving over 70 students who also participate in Mountain View’s renowned concert bands and orchestras.
With a tradition of success, the Jazz Ensemble has been featured at prestigious events such as the Midwest Clinic in Chicago, the NAfME Northwest Conference, and the Washington Music Educators Association State Conference. The ensemble has also earned top honors at major festivals, including winning the Sweepstakes Award at the Clark College Jazz Festival in 2025, 2023, 2015, and 2012. In addition to these accolades, Mountain View’s jazz students have had the privilege of performing with world-class artists, including Wayne Bergeron, Jeff Coffin, Bob Reynolds, Nathan Eklund, and the legendary Count Basie Orchestra.
Mountain View High School maintains a well-rounded and diverse music program, featuring three concert bands, two orchestras, two jazz bands, a percussion ensemble, and a thriving solo and ensemble program with over 100 student entries annually. The school’s commitment to excellence was recognized nationally in 2017 when it received the National Band Association Blue Ribbon Award for sustained achievement in all areas of music education.
The Jazz Ensemble is led by Sam Ormson, an accomplished educator with 25 years of teaching experience, including 21 years at Mountain View High School. In addition to directing Jazz Ensemble I, he co-directs the concert bands, leads the Chamber Orchestra, and oversees the chamber music program. Under his leadership, Mountain View’s music ensembles have received national recognition, performing at the Midwest Clinic, Music for All National Concert Band Festival, Western International Band Clinic, and more. Sam had led groups to national recognition is all idioms of instrumental music education - strings, jazz band, concert band, percussion, and chamber music. He has twice been named a Grammy Signature School winner, and in 2015 was the On-Point Community Credit Union teacher of the year.
With a rich history of achievement and an unwavering dedication to musical excellence, the Mountain View High School Jazz Ensemble continues to inspire and shape the next generation of jazz musicians.
Mountain View High School Jazz Ensemble
Conductor's Bio
TBD
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