Two outstanding student musicians from Elizabethtown Area High School were recently selected to participate in the 2025 Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) District 7 Jazz Festival, held at Dallastown Intermediate School. This prestigious event brought together 63 of the most talented student jazz musicians from across District 7.

Representing Elizabethtown in the elite jazz ensemble were:

• Dominic Hemsch – Drums
• Eleyas Kettering – Tenor Saxophone

Students earned their place in the ensemble through a competitive audition process in January, where they demonstrated both their musical preparation and improvisational skills. The festival offered these students the chance to collaborate with top peers, work under the direction of nationally recognized jazz educators, and perform an exciting program of jazz repertoire.

This year’s guest conductors included Alyssa Allgood (University of Illinois – Chicago), Marko Marcinko (Misericordia University), and Chris Oatts (Temple University), each of whom brought their own professional expertise and energy to the experience.

“Congratulations to these two highly qualified musicians on their display of skill and expertise,” said Kristin Novak, EAHS Director of Bands. “Through a competitive audition process, they were selected, and they should be proud of what they have achieved!”

PMEA is a statewide nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and supporting high-quality music education throughout Pennsylvania. Its programs aim to advance innovative and comprehensive music instruction through rigorous learning and meaningful musical engagement.