Austin High School Band Commissions New Music

The Austin High School Jazz Bands are excited to announce a collaboration with prolific jazz composer Adam Meckler to create a new piece of jazz music in memory of former Austin musician Ben Bednar.  Mr. Bednar performed in more than 20 groups and taught woodwind lessons in Austin for 60 years before his passing in 2018. The new piece of music, featuring Bednar’s last private saxophone student, will be premiered on May 8 at the Spring Jazz Show.  Director of Bands Christoph Dundas visited KAUS recently to share more.

Community members and friends of Mr. Bednar are invited to join the commission through small donations, which may be sent to Austin High School (c/o Christoph Dundas, band director).  Donations will also help bring Mr. Meckler to Austin May 7th-9th to work with the school jazz bands and perform in the May 8 concert. “We are thrilled to work with Adam to create new music that will continue Mr. Bednar’s legacy,” said Mr. Dundas. “Even though he is gone, this piece can keep teaching students forever.”

For more information on this exciting event, please contact AHS Director of Bands [email protected].