URGENT UPDATE: Three talented musicians from Marietta High School are making headlines after performing with the prestigious Marshall University All-Star Jazz Ensemble during the 57th annual Marshall University Winter Jazz Festival held on January 15, 2026, in Huntington, West Virginia. This unique opportunity is a monumental achievement for the students and their recently revived jazz program.
Trumpeter Carter Myers, trombonist Kyle Palmer, and saxophonist Graeden Work were selected through a competitive audition process to join this elite ensemble, showcasing their skills alongside some of the brightest young musicians in the region. The students spent last week on Marshall’s campus, engaging in rigorous rehearsals and attending master classes led by Grammy Award–winning saxophonist Roxy Coss and faculty members from Marshall’s music department.
The festival culminated in a thrilling performance on Friday night, where the All-Star group opened the concert, leaving a lasting impression on attendees. For Myers, Palmer, and Work, this experience was not just about music; it was an eye-opening journey into the world of professional and collegiate music-making. They expressed that working with seasoned jazz educators and performers challenged them to grow and provided a clearer vision of their potential futures in music.
Eric Staats, the band director at Marietta High School, emphasized the significance of this achievement, stating, “This is the first time Marietta students have participated in the Marshall Winter Jazz Festival. Being selected by audition and performing in an ensemble of this caliber is a big accomplishment, especially for a program that’s just getting back on its feet.” He believes this marks the beginning of many more opportunities for the school’s musicians.
This participation is particularly noteworthy as Marietta High School has only recently reinstated its jazz program. Staats plans to encourage more students to audition for future festivals, viewing it as a vital step in expanding the school’s music offerings.
The success of these students is not only a testament to their talent and hard work but also a beacon of hope for the revitalization of the school’s jazz program. Their participation in this festival represents a significant milestone, inspiring both current and future students to pursue their passion for music.
As the jazz program continues to grow, the community is rallying around these young musicians, excited to see what the future holds. The festival’s impact resonates far beyond the stage, fostering a renewed enthusiasm for music education in the region.
Stay tuned for more updates on Marietta High School’s burgeoning jazz program and the remarkable journeys of its talented students. This story is just beginning, and the future looks bright for these aspiring musicians.
