Rochelle Jester stands with Moraine Valley Jazz Ensemble director Doug Bratt after being inducted into the Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference Co-Curricular Hall of Fame.
Moraine Valley Community College student Rochelle Jester (Chicago) was the first musician recognized by the Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference (ISCC) in its Co-Curricular Hall of Fame.
As a saxophonist in either the Moraine Valley Jazz Ensemble or Jazz Combo since 2010, she has earned three Outstanding Soloist awards at ISCC jazz festivals within two years. Jester was inducted on June 9 at a luncheon at Morton College.
“It was a shocker. I was told I’m an inspiration to others, and it’s nice to hear. I’m just doing me,” Jester said. “I really appreciate my professors and that community colleges acknowledge their students when they make an impact. It’s a great milestone, but there’s more I have to do, more to come.”
There are eight colleges in the ISCC, and typically athletes from these colleges are recognized. Jester’s name was brought up by three schools to nominate her for the honor.
“I’m very proud of Rochelle and all of her growth as a musician and jazz improviser. Given her generous nature and musical drive, she’s been an integral member of the Moraine Valley Jazz Ensemble over the last six years,”said Doug Bratt, associate professor of music, coordinator of Academic Music and director of the Moraine Valley Jazz Ensemble. “I’m so very happy that she was chosen to be the first co-curricular member of the Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference. This award is much deserved.”
Jester intends to transfer to University of Illinois at Chicago in the fall to major in communications with a minor in music.
For news media inquiries, contact Maura Vizza, Moraine Valley public relations generalist, at (708) 974-5742 or VizzaM@morainevalley.edu.
