MPS instrumental jazz group wins prestigious national award
DownBeat magazine recognizes Jazz Lab at Milwaukee High School of the Arts; 3rd straight year a group from the high school has won
Jazz Lab at Milwaukee High School of the Arts. Photo courtesy of MPS.
MILWAUKEE (May 13, 2016) – The Jazz Lab Combo at Milwaukee Public Schools‘ Milwaukee High School of the Arts is one of just two student groups from around the country to win DownBeat magazine’s 2016 Performing Arts High School Outstanding Performances award.
The DownBeat awards are among the most prestigious for student musicians in the country.
The win marks the third straight year a group from Milwaukee High School of the Arts has been recognized by the magazine. In both 2014 and 2015, Milwaukee High School of the Arts’ Vocal Jazz Ensemble won DownBeat’s Outstanding Performances award for a performing arts high school jazz choir.
The combo includes: Ben Havens-Hansen on bass, Travis Drow on trumpet, Matthew Rotker-Lynn on guitar and Lester Thompson on drums.
Dr. Doug Syme, the MHSA director of jazz studies and arts department chair, called the award “a testament to the students’ hard work and deep respect for the music. The Downbeat student competition is done by blind audition and is worldwide. What a tremendous legacy for lab 2016 to leave MHSA. Congratulations to them, I could not be prouder.”
“We at ‘Arts’ are so proud of the accomplishments of Dr. Syme and the Jazz Lab,” MHSA Principal Barry Applewhite said. “Music tells a story that may have different endings, depending on the listener. I believe the Jazz Lab’s story has a happy ending.”
MPS Superintendent Dr. Darienne Driver and the entire MPS family congratulate the group on this national recognition! Media interested in seeing or hearing the group should contact Tony Tagliavia, MPS media manager.
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.
Mentioned in This Press Release
Recent Press Releases by Milwaukee Public Schools
MPS, Third-Party Expert Confirm Accuracy of District Benefit Calculations
Apr 21st, 2026 by Milwaukee Public SchoolsMPS April 20, 2026: Media Statement in response to questions from reporters who have seen the MTEA release
Public Is Invited to MPS All-City Biennial Music Festival May 6-7
Apr 16th, 2026 by Milwaukee Public SchoolsAdmission Is Free to Hear 3,500 Student Musicians in Orchestras, Bands, Choirs over 2 Nights at Panther Arena
MPS Estimates Adding Nearly 90 More Teachers in 2026-27 as District Works to Manage, Reduce Class Size
Apr 13th, 2026 by Milwaukee Public SchoolsInvestments in Classrooms Come as School District Outlines Details to Address $46 Million Deficit
