Jazz in the Meadows turns 40: A Legacy of Music, Growth and Community
For 40 years, Jazz in the Meadows has been a staple of Rolling Meadows High School, growing from a small event to one of the largest high school jazz festivals in the country. This year’s 40th anniversary marked a milestone, with 80 student ensembles and over 100 performances showcasing the incredible talent of young musicians.
“This festival really brings people together. It’s all about inspiring kids, helping them see what they can do and pushing them to new heights,” said Elliott Hile, band director at Rolling Meadows High School. “The excitement and energy here is contagious — it’s about making music together and learning from each other.”
The sense of tradition and growth was evident in the return of Len King, the first band director at Rolling Meadows High School and the festival’s founder.
“It’s really thrilling to come back and see all this activity and how much fun everybody’s having,” King said. “When we started, there were only a few dozen bands, and now to see it continue, it’s truly amazing.”
Over the years, the festival has not only provided an incredible stage for students but has also connected them with world-class professionals. This year, performances featuring the Generation Gap Jazz Orchestra, winners of the 2023 Grammy for Best Large Ensemble Jazz Album, and Bonzo Squad showcased top-tier musicianship and gave students the rare opportunity to learn directly from some of the best in the industry.
For Omar Rodriguez, a senior trombone player from Wheeling High School, the festival has been a key part of his musical journey.
“I’ve been coming to Jazz in the Meadows for years, first as a spectator, and now as a performer,” Rodriguez said. “This year, getting to play alongside these professionals was surreal. It’s not just the music — it’s the experience, the people you meet and the inspiration you take home.”
Rodriguez plans to attend Columbia University in the fall and hopes to continue playing jazz, staying connected to his musical passion — something Len King, the festival’s founder, hopes for all students.
“It’s a wonderful thing to be in a band. And I just hope that all these people continue with their music life when they leave school.”