Austin DiPietro, Andrew Adoranti, Sebastian Bachmeier, Marko Rozic, Vanessa HarnishRon W. Ianni Memorial Performance Scholarship winner Sebastian Bachmeier accepts congratulations from other members of the Coffee House Combo. From left, trumpeter Austin DiPietro, pianist Andrew Adoranti, Bachmeier, bassist Marko Rozic, drummer Vanessa Harnish.

Saxophonist swings way to scholarship

The Ron W. Ianni Memorial Performance Scholarship is a “nice thing to be able to say you won” says saxophonist Sebastian Bachmeier, who beat out nine competitors to claim the prize Sunday.

“Everyone did a wonderful job,” in the recital held in Assumption Hall’s Heritage Auditorium, he says. “I am very honoured to have been chosen.”

Bachmeier acknowledges that there is more to the scholarship than the $500 award. Named for late UWindsor president Ron Ianni, the annual competition is open only to the top finishers in the December music performance juries.

“I have received other scholarships, but this one is special,” says the third-year BMus major.

Bachmeier played his own composition Satisfaction as well as Dizzy Gillespie’s bebop standard A Night in Tunisia, accompanied by his Coffee House Combo. The jazz group plays weekly gigs at Phog Lounge; Bachmeier has also performed with other local pop and soul groups. In March 2015, he soloed with the Windsor Community Orchestra for its Concerto Showcase.

“In order to be a good performer, you have to be versatile,” he says.