If you notice Alta senior Jacob White has a bounce in his step, here’s why: The tenor saxophonist been named to the Music for All’s Jazz Band of America, an ensemble of the nation’s elite student jazz music artists. The Alta Jazz Band President and saxophone section leader is believed to be the first Utah student ever selected to the prestigious, audition-only jazz ensemble. He will travel to Indianapolis to perform with the Jazz Band of America at the Music for All National Festival — a gathering of the “who’s who” among U.S. band directors and music teachers March 14-16, 2013. 

“Jake has made more progress in three years than any student I have ever taught,” Alta Band teacher Bill Mattingly said. “He came in as a sophomore with some raw talent, but has developed into the most professional sounding saxophonist ever to come out of Alta. It has truly been an honor to teach, mentor and work with him.”

White, who started his promising music career as a pianist, also has been named to the Utah All-State Jazz Band, is a two-time member of the Crescent Super Band, and has won outstanding soloist awards at the Peaks Jazz Festival and Utah State Jazz Festival.