Columbia's Fusion Ensemble Earns DownBeat Student Music Award Recognition

Campus Communications Staff / May 19, 2025

Photo of five peopleThe ŷɫƬ Fusion Ensemble (from left to right): Dante Nottoli, Paris Catura, Danny Lock, Jayson Verrett, and Miles Pretel.
The Fusion Ensemble from ŷɫƬ's School of Audio and Music has been honored by DownBeat for its composition "Never Be Free,” with vocalist Danny Lock also receiving honors.

The 2025 DownBeat Student Music Awards has recognized the ŷɫƬ's Fusion Ensemble, giving it a well-deserved nod in the Undergraduate College Music Composition category for their original composition, "Never Be Free." Students Jayson Verrett, Danny Lock, Miles Pretel, Dante Nottoli, and Paris Catura composed the piece. Additionally, Danny Lock received an Outstanding Soloist award for her exceptional performance. 

The DownBeat Student Music Awards, presented by “DownBeat” magazine, are among the most prestigious honors in jazz and contemporary music education. Each year, the awards celebrate outstanding achievement by student musicians, ensembles, and composers from middle school through college levels around the world. 

Under the direction of Associate Professor Bill Boris, the Fusion Ensemble is known for its innovative blend of jazz, R&B, gospel, and world music influences.  

“This recognition reflects the dedication and creativity of our students,” Boris says. “Their ability to collaborate and push musical boundaries is what makes this achievement possible.”  

Congratulations to the Fusion Ensemble! 

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