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Caitlin Skahen Named to Minnesota Honor Jazz Band

Caitlin Skahen

Saint John’s Prep is proud to congratulate sophomore Caitlin Skahen ’19 for being selected as a member of the MBDA State Jazz Honor band sponsored by the Minnesota Band Directors Association. She will be participating in the Jazz Honor Band featured performance on Friday, February 17 at the Minneapolis Convention Center.

Caitlin is the daughter of son of Sean and Jennifer Skahen of St. Joseph. She is the sister of Thomas ’15, Brenna ’17, Jack ’21 and Brady, a third grader at All Saints Academy.

Caitlin plays the trumpet in the Saint John’s Prep Jazz Band. She also plays the guitar, piano, French horn, cello and ukulele. “Caitlin has an ease with music that speaks of a real talent. An inborn ability to hear and feel the music like a true musician,” says Jazz Band Director Jeff Engholm. “She is also a very talented singer.”

This is not Caitlin’s first time being recognized for her musical ability. She auditioned and was accepted into the Honor “Concert” Band 2 years ago. She auditioned for the Honor Jazz Band this year under Mr. Engholm’s direction.

“I enjoy playing jazz, it offers more freedom than playing other types of music,” Caitlin says. “It is easier to express myself through jazz, and I really like listening to jazz compared to other types of music.

Caitlin has already been practicing with the other Minnesota high school students selected for the honor jazz band. “It is a lot of fun. Everyone knows their parts and already has them perfected when they walk into practice. They really are at a pro level and they are 9th and 10th grade students!”

In addition to jazz band, orchestra and choir, Caitlin is a very active student. She plays on the varsity soccer team and will perform in Saint John’s Prep Theatre’s performance of Godspell in March at the Paramount Theatre in downtown Saint Cloud.

Founded in 1857, Saint John’s Prep is a Catholic/Benedictine, co-ed, private day and boarding school, providing students of all faiths in grades 6-12, with a college-preparatory curriculum. Visit Prep on February 25 for our Open House. For more information, visit www.sjprep.net or call 320-363-3315.