School of Music Junior Named Outstanding Soloist at Next Generation Jazz Festival

'Z' Big Band member Henry Tirfe ’17 (Saxophone) selected as one of five top solo artists in the College Big Band division at prestigious competition

School of Music junior Henry Tirfe ’17 (Saxophone) was named an Outstanding Soloist at the 46th Next Generation Jazz Festival, a prestigious competition for college and high school ensembles held April 8-10 in Monterey, Calif. Tirfe performed with the UArts “Z” Big Band, which was named a finalist in the College Big Band Division.

Led by Assistant Professor Matt Gallagher MM '01 (Jazz Studies), the School of Music ensemble competed against five other top schools from across the country and around the world for a chance to perform at the renowned Monterey Jazz Festival, taking place September 16-18.

“This was a first for me, a first for the ‘Z’ Big Band, and most importantly a first for the entire University,” said Tirfe. “I felt very proud flying back to Philadelphia bringing a trophy back for this school.”

Tirfe was not only the youngest award recipient in the category, but also the first “Z” Big Band member in the University’s history to be so honored. Originally from Philadelphia and currently living in Upper Darby, Pa., he has been playing the saxophone for 14 years. Over the past five years, Tirfe has shared the stage with such musicians as Joel Frahm, Larry McKenna, Jeff Bradshaw, Gerald Veasley, Dick Oatts, Tre Lambert, the Now Generation and many others.