News : Jazz Pizzazz features HS & JS bands, HS choirs and All-State speech performances

Eric Mohlis leads the Chamber Choir during the Jazz Pizazz concert Friday at VSHS.

Eric Mohlis leads the Freshmen Select Choir in singing "What a Wonderful Life."

Karl Smith directs the High School Jazz Band.

Next Saturday, the VSHS Jazz Band will be one of dozens playing in the NEIBA festival in Vinton.

Katie Langstraat plays the drums for the VSMS Jazz Band during Jazz Pizazz Friday.

Katie Hancock sings a solo part as other VSHS Jazz Band members play.

Lily Horst played the xylophone for the VSMS Jazz Band.

More VSMS Jazz Band photos from Jazz Pizazz, Feb. 25...

There was plenty of jazz, and lots of pizazz, i.e, dazzling style, flamboyance, flair and vigorous spirit, at the annual Vinton-Shellsburg Jazz Pizazz Friday night.

The high school and middle school jazz bands performed, followed by the 12-member high school Freshman Select Choir and the Chamber Choir. Alex Springer performed his "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" mime routine, which he performed at the prestigious All-State Large Group Speech event Saturday, Feb. 19. The six girls of the VSHS Musical Theatre's version of "Legally Blonde" also performed the two numbers they sang at the All-State Speech event.

High School Jazz Band Director Karl Smith and his students began the evening. They played "Choose Your Blues," "In a Sentimental Mood" and "Caravan."

VSMS Band Director Jodi Bierschenk led her students in playing "Choo Choo Ch' Boogie," "I'll be there" and "Evil Ways." Each band had several solo music parts.

The Freshman Select Choir sang "What a Wonderful World," also with several solos. The Chamber Choir sang "Baba Yetu." VSHS Choir Director told the audience that the song actually comes from the Civilization 4 video game.