Butler Jazz Ensemble Invited to Perform at Statewide Conference

The Butler Community College Jazz Ensemble, directed by Brett Martinez and Cally Bitterlin, recently received an invitation to perform at the 2025 Kansas Music Educators Association (KMEA) In-Service Workshop this coming February at Century II Convention Center in Wichita.

Being chosen to perform at the workshop is the highest honor a performing ensemble can receive in the state. Over the last decade, only four community college instrumental ensembles have performed at the workshop. Of those four, this year's Jazz Ensemble is the second to represent Butler Community College, following the Clarinet Quartet in 2016.

Directors from across the state submit applications and recordings of three ensemble selections in order to be considered. Independent review committees then evaluate and prioritize submissions in a blind audition process.

Instrumental Music Chair Martinez is looking forward to the special opportunity. “First and foremost, this achievement is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our Butler band students,” he said. “It is also important to acknowledge the excellent instruction and support our students receive from our outstanding faculty.”

The KMEA In-Service Workshop is an annual event where speakers, performers, and vendors gather to represent the best of music education throughout the state.

Members of the Jazz Ensemble, listed by hometowns (with instrument):

Andover

Dylan Dirksen (Trombone)

Maxwell Morris (Trombone)

 

Augusta

Dylan Boucher (Drums)

Jared Goldenstein (Drums)

Kabren Wetzel (Piano)

 

Belle Plaine

Kayla Potter (Tenor Saxophone)

 

El Dorado

Cameron Eckdahl (Percussion)

 

Haysville

Gabe Parker (Alto Saxophone)

 

Kechi

Preston Schuetz (Trumpet)

 

Leon

Kylie Metsker (Trumpet)

 

Maize

Landon Burkett (Alto Saxophone)

 

Rosalia

Kianna Mantanona (Drums)

 

Rose Hill

Jacob Mick (Guitar)

Draven Ramsey (Guitar)

 

Topeka

Caleb Wilson (Trombone)

 

Wichita

Lauren Anderson (Bass)  

Vincent Aramburu (Tenor Saxophone)

Alex Backus (Bari Saxophone)

Jackson DeForrest (Trombone)

Mark Fanning (Trumpet)

Adam Long (Bari Saxophone)

Hailey Misegadis (Alto Saxophone)

Alexis Stone (Tenor Saxophone)

Irvin White (Percussion)