Gary Solt, Associate Dean of MI’s Bachelor program, recently visited Long Beach Polytechnic High School as guest conductor/jazz band clinician at the invitation of band director Chris Stevens. “I love coming to work with Chris’ bands because they’re always exciting to hear and they never cease to amaze me with their talent and dedication. These bands are what great music education is all about,” Solt said.

The Poly program is a six-time winner of the Grammy Foundation’s “Signature School” award as one of the top high school band programs in the nation. Jazz ensembles and combos representing the 150-student program ensembles perform regularly at an array of jazz festivals and events throughout the region.