Torrey Newhart is a pianist from Bend, who recently graduated from Mountain View High School and plans to study at the University of Oregon.  Torrey got his start on violin at age 4, and began piano lessons in first grade, studying with Larry Rauch for nearly ten years.  In high school he played violin in the school orchestra and piano in the Honors Jazz Band.  He also performed for the jazz choir and school musicals.  Attending the University of Oregon Summer Jazz Camp opened his eyes to the possibilities of creating his own music.  During his sophomore, junior and senior years he was accepted into the District Honors and State Honors Jazz Bands.  He also performed in the Central Oregon Community College Big Band and was a paid member of the local musical theater.  As a junior Torrey became the pianist for the COCC Vocal Jazz Ensemble and the State Honors Jazz Choir.  At the Northwest Vocal Jazz Competition at Mt. Hood Community College he received the Most Outstanding Instrumentalist Award.  The highlight of his senior year was being selected by the Oregon International Association of Jazz Educators to participate in the All-Star Combo at the ‘08 Portland Jazz Festival.  Mountain View Choral Director, Richard Plants, said, “In my 30+ years of teaching, Torrey is the best jazz pianist we have ever had.”  Torrey was accepted into top east coast music schools, but chose to stay in Oregon.  Teaching is a strong possibility for him in the future and he hopes to travel the world performing.  Torrey says, “People ask me why I play music.  I tell them because I have to.  It has been such a big part of my life, I could never quit.” 

Kai Sandoval, a senior at Siuslaw High School in Florence, plays trumpet as well as piano, guitar and alto saxophone.  When Kai was in kindergarten he started on piano, and in 6th grade he picked up his dad’s old trumpet, saying he couldn’t put it down.  At 13 he became the youngest member of the Oregon Coast Chamber Orchestra.  Kai says he learns a lot by listening, transcribing and reading books on technique.  He has studied jazz theory and he composes and arranges music.  He has attended many summer jazz camps, including the University of Oregon Jazz Improvisation Camp, Britt Instrumental Camp and the OFAM Jazz Camp.  For the past three years he’s played in the Western International Band Clinic and in ’07 placed 1st chair in the Firebird Band.  Kai was accepted into the District Honors Band, three years, and the All State Jazz Band two years, and was lead trumpet for both in ‘08.  He received Outstanding Soloist awards at the Heritage Music Festival-San Diego and Music in the Parks-Disneyland.  From his school he’s received Louis Armstrong and Musician of the Year awards.  Kai credits his band teacher, Shannon Dickey, who has inspired him since 6th grade.  Mr. Dickey says, “In the past 13 years as a music educator I have not had a student with the innate abilities that Kai Sandoval has.”  He said he can count on Kai to work on lead charts after school nearly every day.  Kai used his scholarship money toward a 5-week Berklee Jazz Performance Camp this summer and said it was an incredible experience.  He plans to pursue a degree in Jazz Studies with a minor in Music Education.