Et cetera : More success for VSHS Music Dept: Jazz Band earns Division 1 rating

Director Karl Smith directs the VS Jazz Band.

Logan Halstead and James Yenser played solos.

Nic Gardner plays his saxophone solo for the VSHS Jazz Band at State contest.

Soloists Claire Andreesen and Nick Gardner

The VSHS Jazz Band performed at IHSMA State Festival at Union HS Saturday.

Megan Jorgensen and Tyler Johnson

The VS Jazz Band during its performance Jan. 15.

Megan Jorgensen and Matt Walston played solos at State Jazz Band event.

Logan Halstead plays her trumpet solo.

Lauren Murphy plays the piano while Nic Gardner performs his sax solo.

Claire Andreesen stands to play her sax solo.

Megan Jorgensen plays a solo.

The Vinton-Shellsbur Jazz Band went to La Porte City for its first contest of the year, the IHSMA State Jazz Band contest. They received a Division 1 rating. This continues the string of Division 1 ratings the band has received in Marching Band and Jazz Band events. The Jazz Band earned a trip to the Iowa State Jazz Band Championships last year.

The Benton Community Jazz Band and Union jazz bands also performed. Benton performed "The Defibrillator" and "Mr. Zoot Suit" and "Hit the Bricks." Union performed "Puddle Jumpin'" and "Angel Eyes" and "Running of the Bulls."

Thanks to Jan Andreesen for photos and videos and to Nancy Jorgensen for photos. And congratulations to Mr. Smith and the band members!

To hear the Jazz Band's performance, click any of these links. Then sit back and enjoy these talented folks as they play "Caravan", "A Sentimental Mood" and "Choose Your Blues"

....as well as last year, it's never outdated!

Song 1 , Song 2 and Song 3