Oakton Musicians Garner Awards at Illinois Skyway Jazz Festival

(Dec. 1, 2016) Four members of the Oakton Community College Jazz Band, directed by Robert Evans, were recognized for their performances at the Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference Jazz Festival held at the College of Lake County.

The following Oakton students received recognition as outstanding soloists: Preetham Marati of Skokie on alto saxophone, Jim Postillion of Arlington Heights on baritone saxophone, Brad Kolar of Park Ridge on trumpet and Tom Bartlett of Waukegan on trombone.

“I was extremely pleased with all the soloists,” said Evans, an accomplished performer, clinician and conductor. “They all did a great job to knock it out of the park to impress the judges with their improv skills.”

Other colleges competing at the festival included College of Lake County, Elgin Community College, McHenry County College, Moraine Valley Community College, Prairie State College and Waubonsee Community College.

The public is invited to hear the award-winning musicians when the Oakton Jazz Band performs at the Noteworthy Festival’s Jazz Invasion at 8 p.m., Friday, Dec. 9, at the college’s Footlik Theater, 1600 E. Golf Road, Des Plaines. For ticket information, call 847.635.1900 or visit www.oakton.edu/tickets.