Four middle school students from Charleston County School District (CCSD) have been selected for the inaugural South Carolina Band Directors Association (SCBDA) All-State Middle School Jazz Ensemble. This marks the first time CCSD students have participated in this newly established statewide group.
The ensemble includes representatives from twelve middle schools across South Carolina, with CCSD accounting for four of the selected musicians. The honored students are Ma’Khai Mikell from Charleston County School of the Arts (1st Alto Sax), Porter Stokes from Camp Road Middle School (Baritone Sax), and Chase Kahalehoe (1st Trumpet) and Liam Harman (3rd Trombone), both from Laing Middle School.
“I’m excited to be the first baritone saxophone in this ensemble, meet other people, and play jazz music with people who are just as excited about this type of music as I am,” said Stokes.
Band directors supporting these students include Alice Aldredge at SOA; Chloe Spitzer and Jake Henjes at Camp Road; and Adam Vernon-Young along with Justin Clarkson at Laing. “These students have demonstrated exceptional musicianship, discipline, and dedication to their craft,” said Spitzer. “Being selected for such a limited ensemble is a remarkable accomplishment.”
Previously, SCBDA offered its All-State Jazz Band only to high school students since 1998. This year marks an expansion of opportunities by introducing a middle school jazz ensemble. Students auditioned by preparing scales, a jazz solo, and improvisation segments. The selection process was highly competitive—only 17 students were chosen statewide using a traditional big band format that includes specific numbers of saxophones, trombones, trumpets, percussion instruments, and bass guitar.
The newly formed middle school jazz group will rehearse alongside two high school ensembles from March 5–7 at Charleston Southern University. Their public performance is scheduled for March 7 at Lightsey Chapel on the university’s campus.
CCSD also has nine high school students accepted into the two SCBDA All-State High School Jazz Bands representing Wando High School, Lucy Beckham High School, and SOA. Their directors are Bobby Lambert (Wando), Lainie Radecke (Wando), Leslie Phillips (Lucy Beckham), and Dustin King (SOA).
The selections underscore CCSD’s strong music programs and highlight student achievement throughout the district.
For further information, contact the district’s Office of Communications at (843) 937-6583.
