Bala Cynwyd Jazz Guitarist Wins Composition Contest

BALA CYNWYD, PA — A young jazz man from Bala Cynwyd was recently honored for his exceptional skill at composing and arranging jazz tunes.

Leo Steinriede, of Bala Cynwyd, was selected as the winner of the Jazz at Lincoln Center's 8th Annual Essentially Ellington Dr. J. Douglas White Student Composition and Arranging Contest.

Steinriede's composition was selected among 26 entries from student composers from around the country.

"The Rhetorical Situation" was written for a big band of five saxophones, four trumpets, three trombones and a rhythm section of guitar, piano, bass and drums.

On Feb. 1, Steinriede conducted the piece for the first time in public at the Composers League of Philadelphia's Jazz Composers Showcase at the Painted Bride in Old City, Philadelphia.

Steinriede, 17, a junior at Lower Merion High School, will have his composition recorded in New York by the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra and receive a cash prize. In addition, the award includes a composition lesson with GRAMMY award-winning musician and longtime Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra member, Ted Nash, and a trip to New York to participate in the Essentially Ellington High School Jazz Band Competition & Festival, May 7 through May 9.

Essentially Ellington is a free program for high school jazz bands that aims to elevate musicianship, broaden perspectives and inspire performance. At this year's festival 18 high school jazz bands from around the country will participate.

Steinriede, a guitarist, arranger and composer, studies music at the Philadelphia Clef Club of Jazz and Performing Arts, Settlement Music School and Lower Merion High School. He studies arranging with Joseph Block.

Steinriede will be playing at 7 p.m. Friday in the Starbucks at 4600 City Line Ave. as part of Settlement Music School's community outreach.