Multiple students and ensembles from the Frost School of Music were recognized in the 48th annual Downbeat Student Music Awards, one of the most visible and prestigious honors in the world of jazz.
The 2025 Downbeat student awards, showcasing the next generation of jazz artists, were announced in a special issue released on May 8, announcing winners in 14 categories for jazz performers, composers, ensembles, arrangers, and engineers from middle schools, high schools, performing arts high schools, community colleges, undergraduate colleges and graduate colleges across the United States.
Altogether, five ensembles and 11 individual students from the Frost School, an exceptional number, received Downbeat Student Awards in multiple categories.
John Daversa, chair of the Studio Music and Jazz program, expressed pride in the students, their faculty mentors, and the program that fosters them.
“Our Frost Studio Music and Jazz students continue to inspire with their extraordinary achievements in this year’s DownBeat Student Awards,” Daversa said. “Their success reflects the excellence, creativity, and dedication that define our Frost MSJ community. It is especially meaningful to see students recognized not only for their individual artistry but also for the collaborative spirit that uplifts our entire School. These honors affirm the vibrant, forward-looking energy of our students and the bright future of music.”
Some of the winning ensembles have been honored by Downbeat multiple times over the years. They include Frost Extensions, faculty mentor Kate Reid, named in the Graduate College Winner Small Vocal Jazz Group division; and the Frost Fusion Ensemble, faculty mentor Steve Rucker, which won for Graduate College Outstanding Performance Blues/Pop/Rock Group.
Kevin Venier, a guitarist mentored by faculty member John Hart who will pursue a doctorate at the Frost School after completing his master’s in 2025, was named twice: as Graduate College Blues/Pop/Rock Soloist, and for Graduate Blues/Pop/Rock Group for Kevin Venier’s Fusion Experience. And graduate student Dan VanZeeland, mentored by faculty member Stephen Guerra, was a Graduate College winner for Original Composition – Small Ensemble for his piece “Ralph,” and for Jazz Arrangement – Studio Orchestra, for “Frevo.”
