March 2005 Winner: Shawn Williams

ITG is proud to announce that Shawn Williams of Santa Clara, California, has been awarded the ITG Young Artist Award for March 2005. Shawn has studied the trumpet since fifth grade, and currently studies with Eric Bolvin of San Jose, California. While attending Santa Clara High School, Shawn plays in marching band, symphonic band, and jazz band. He toured Japan with the San Jose Youth Philharmonic Senior Symphony, and plays solo trumpet with the San Jose Jazz Society Youth Jazz Honor Orchestra.

This year Shawn received superior ratings in the California Music Educators' Association Jazz and Symphonic Solo Festivals. As soloist with his middle school's alumni jazz band, Shawn performed in the New Orleans French Quarter Jazz Festival. At the Reno Jazz Festival, Shawn received a solo award in three consecutive years. Active in his community, Shawn tutors elementary and middle school children, performs in his church's music group, and works at a local music camp each summer. His future plans include the study of music education with a jazz emphasis.