Upper Darby’s Own, Saxophonist Hiruy Tirfe, Wins 1st Place at 2024 DC JazzPrix Festival

Hiruy Tirfe (pronounced HUH-ROY TURF), an accomplished saxophonist and director of Schoener MusicMan Academy’s Jazz Jam Camp, has claimed first place at the prestigious 2024 DC JazzPrix Festival, which took place on Saturday, August 31, at DC’s Union Stage. Tirfe, a graduate of Upper Darby High School and former student of local music legend Brad Schoener, led his dynamic quartet featuring Keith Phelps on piano, Sandy Eldred on bass, and Lionel Forrester Jr. on drums, delivering a performance that left both the judges and audience in awe.

Tirfe, who graduated from Upper Darby High in 2013, carries the legacy of his education in Upper Darby where he was mentored by band directors Jason Majerzack at Upper Darby High, Dr. Tim Blessington at Beverly Hills Middle School, and the late Brad Schoener at Bywood Elementary. In addition to his musical achievements, Tirfe remains a close friend of the Upper Darby Arts & Education Foundation, where he continues to contribute to the local music scene as a dedicated educator.

This monumental win marks another milestone in Tirfe’s flourishing career. The Philadelphia-born artist, who recently released his debut album 10,000 Hours (rated 4/5 stars by DownBeat Magazine), is rapidly gaining recognition on an international scale, with his music resonating across the U.S., Europe, and South America. A versatile artist, Tirfe is not only an exceptional saxophonist but also a woodwindist, composer, arranger, educator, and film scorer. His role as an educator extends to the School District of Philadelphia and his contributions to the Upper Darby Arts and Education Foundation further cement his dedication to the local community.

Having grown up in the culturally rich environment of Philadelphia, Tirfe sharpened his skills at Upper Darby High School, the Kimmel Center Youth Jazz Ensemble, and the University of the Arts. Throughout his career, he has had the privilege of performing alongside some of the industry’s greatest talents, including Patti LaBelle, The Roots, Bilal, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Solange Knowles, and Brandy, establishing his reputation as a musical powerhouse.

The DC JazzPrix Festival, presented by the DC Jazz Festival®, serves as a premier international platform for emerging jazz bands. It highlights the intricate dynamics between band members as the essence of jazz. With this victory, Tirfe and his quartet have earned a $15,000 cash prize, artist coaching, and a guaranteed performance slot at the 2025 Washington DC Jazz Festival.

The DC Jazz Festival® is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization supported by grants from the Government of the District of Columbia, the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities, and many other esteemed organizations. Its mission is to provide enriching jazz experiences and foster a vibrant community for jazz in the nation’s capital.

Catch Hiruy Tirfe Live: Tirfe will be performing alongside Chill Moody on September 20th at The Fillmore Philadelphia, opening for Common and Pete Rock during The Auditorium Tour. Tickets are available at www.thefillmorephilly.com.

Stream 10,000 Hours Now: You can stream Tirfe’s debut album 10,000 Hours on all major platforms or order physical copies at www.hiruytirfe.org. For more information on Hiruy Tirfe and his upcoming performances, please visit www.hiruytirfe.org or follow him on social media.