Lawrence’s jazz program awarded two 2025 DownBeat Awards

June 2, 2025

APPLETON – The Lawrence University Conservatory of Music’s jazz program is the recipient of two 2025 DownBeat Awards, which are among the highest honors in jazz education.

The LU Jazz Ensemble, under the direction of Patty Darling – instructor of music – earned the Undergraduate College Award in the Large Jazz Ensemble category.

The Latin Jazz Ensemble, under the direction of José Encarnación – associate professor of music and director of jazz studies – was named the winner in the Latin Group category.

Encarnación said this is the second time in three years the program has won two awards in the same year, a milestone he credits to the students’ commitment to a wide range of music.

“The students we get here are smart, they’re curious, they like to explore,” he said. “So, we bring them different kinds of music, and they’re in, they’re engaged. For me, it’s seeing how they grow, how they engage with the art. That’s the reward.”