BIRMINGHAM - The Thompson High School Jazz Ensemble proudly represented Thompson High School and Alabaster City Schools at the 2026 Alabama Music Educators Association (AMEA) Conference on January 23 at the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex. Selected as a featured performing ensemble, the group closed the evening concert session with an electrifying performance at 8:00 p.m., marking the third consecutive year THS students have concluded AMEA’s annual Alabama State Music Education Professional Development Conference .
The Thompson High School Jazz Ensemble is the school’s premier jazz big band, consisting of 18–22 auditioned students in grades 9–12 who rehearse five days a week. The ensemble performs an extensive range of musical styles, including swing, funk, rock, Afro-Cuban, Latin, and blues, and is known for its consistently superior ratings at state performance assessments as well as performances across Alabama and at national venues .
Under the direction of Director of Bands Graham Bennett, along with Associate Director of Bands Corey Hyman and Director of Percussion Jamiah Robbins, the jazz program continues to thrive through a strong emphasis on musical excellence, discipline, and collaboration. Mr. Bennett, a Thompson High School faculty member since 2019, leads multiple ensembles and has guided the band program to repeated AMEA selections, national travel performances, and annual recognition as a “Best Community for Music Education” by the NAMM Foundation.
In recognition of his outstanding leadership and impact on jazz education, Mr. Bennett was honored during the conference with the National Band Association’s Outstanding Jazz Educator Award. This national distinction recognizes educators who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to developing successful school jazz ensembles and advancing instrumental music education.
The AMEA performance program featured a diverse and challenging repertoire, including jazz standards and contemporary works such as Li’l Darlin’, Sing, Sing, Sing, La Fiesta, and Spinning Wheel, with featured student soloists on trumpet, tenor saxophone, and trombone. Guest performers included Thompson alumni now pursuing collegiate jazz studies, highlighting the program’s lasting influence beyond graduation.
Thompson High School extends its gratitude to the Thompson High School Band Boosters, school and district leadership, and community partners whose continued support makes opportunities like AMEA possible. The selection of the THS Jazz Ensemble for this prestigious conference reflects the dedication of its students, directors, and families, as well as Alabaster City Schools’ ongoing commitment to excellence in arts education.