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Two KU musicians have been honored by Down Beat magazine in the 24th annual Student Music Awards, marking a dozen times in nine years that School of Fine Arts ensembles, individuals and educators have been recognized for exceptional musical achievement.

Jeff Timmons was named best classical soloist for his performance on the alto saxophone, while Fred Mullholland was honored for his trumpet work as an outstanding jazz soloist. The awards also acknowledge the students’ instructors, Vince Gnojek, professor of saxophone and woodwind division director, and Dan Gailey, director of jazz studies.

Timmons has been studying under Gnojek as both a soloist and as a member of the KU Saxophone Quartet. According to Gnojek, Timmons extended himself for his junior recital, which was recorded and submitted to Down Beat.

“He played one piece that usually only graduate students attempt,” Gnojek said.

Timmons began on the piano and switched to saxophone in grade school. This year, he has begun learning the clarinet and set his sights on the flute as well.

Gnojek plays both classical and jazz saxophone styles and performs with the Harvey Pittell Saxophone Quartet. Another of Gnojek’s students, Paul Haar, was awarded the classical soloist honor by Down Beat before graduating with his master’s degree from KU.

Haar said he appreciated Gnojek’s teaching approach, which he said led to a bigger, fuller, more flexible sound. “He really connects with his students,” Haar said.

Students of Gailey have been recognized several times by Down Beat, including the 1997 award to KU Jazz Ensemble I for the best college big band.

“This is all about recognition for a job well done,” Gailey said of the students’ achievements. “And because we’ve been winning more over the recent years, it’s putting us in a great peer level.”

Down Beat is America’s premier magazine for musicians, covering “Jazz, Blues and Beyond.”