Michael was a finalist for the 12th Annual Jazz Improvisation Competition presented by the Union League Civic and Arts Foundation in February 2012. The final round was held at the Buddy Guy’s Legends blues club and Michael (youngest performer) finished third in his age group, winning $900 and the opportunity to play gigs in Chicago from March until next February with the other finalists.
In January Michael was named an Outstanding Soloist at the Purdue University Jazz Festival, and earned a scholarship to the 2013 Jamey Aebersold Summer Jazz Workshop at the University of Louisville,KY.
This past fall Michael was the first place winner in the Music Institutes’  Billy Strayhorn Songwriting Competition which was part of MIC’s three day jazz festival. His original composition, entitled “Battle Cry” was performed by a group of professional musicians during the final concert of the festival.  He won a $500 MIC scholarship. Also last fall, as a musician from Evanston Township High School Michael was named an All-District winner by the IMEA (Illinois Music Educators Association) and performed in the All-District jazz band at the Jazz Festival held at Lake Zurich High School.
Congrats Michael!

Michael at the 2013 ETHS Jazz Festival