of big band and small group jazz in the American traditions of the music. Opportunities are available for students to audition and participate in as many as 3 big bands and 2 combos (small groups). The HHS Jazz program is recognized by area and National top artists as a model program for learning to perform in the jazz idiom. Improvisation and the historical traditions of the music are the foundations of learning to perform all styles from 1900-today. Orchestra Hudson High School's orchestras are recognized across the country and Internationally for their dynamic performances. Earning First Prize in the 2006 International Youth and Music Festival in Vienna, Austria, the ensemble gained the attention of critics and adjudicators as one of the premier orchestra programs in the United States. There are three ensembles: Chamber Orchestra, Sinfonietta and Symphony Orchestra. Conducted by Hudson High School alum, Roberto Iriarte, the ensembles routinely earn Superior Ratings at the OMEA State Orchestra Contest as well as its individual members earning top ratings at the OMEA Solo & Ensemble Contest. The orchestras have enjoyed extensive travel for festivals and masterclasses in Chicago, New York, Orlando, Philadelphia, Toronto, Italy, Austria and Slovakia. Members of the orchestra also participate throughout Northeast Ohio in the Cleveland Orchestra Youth Orchestra, the Akron Youth Symphony and the Contemporary Youth Orchestra. Alumni have attended top conservatories and Universities including Julliard, The Curtis Institute (Phila, PA), The Eastman School of Music (University of Rochester), The Shepherd School of Music (Rice University), and The Berklee College of Music (Boston). Choir There is a general choir program, a chamber choir, and a show choir. Under former director Mrs. Amy Foulkes, they were invited to and traveled to Carnegie Hall in New York to perform. Notable alumni John Edwards - NBA and NBA Development League player Ben Gedeon - NFL player John Herrick - novelist David Kirkpatrick- film producer, screenwriter, and studio executive Dante Lavelli - NFL player and member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame Brad Lepper - archaeologist at the Ohio History Connection Bill Nagy - NFL player Louie Rolko - United Soccer League player Brian Winters - NFL player References External links Hudson City School District official website High schools in Summit County, Ohio Educational institutions established in 1885 Public high schools in Ohio 1885 establishments in Ohio