News : VSHS Jazz Band earns second straight trip to State Championships

Nicholas Gardner was named an Outstanding Soloist.

Claire Andreesen plays her sax solo.

Lauren Murphy waits for the signal to begin the VSHS Jazz Band's first song.

Jazz Band members celebrate making State Championships.

Alyssa Cantrell, sax solo

Will Hancock plays his drum solo.

Logan Halstead, trumpet solo.

Matt Walston's trombone solo.

Megan Jorgensen plays a trumpet solo.

Megan Jorgensen and Tyler Johnson

Mr. Smith leads the VSHS Jazz Bands in warm-ups before their performance.

The Vinton-Shellsburg High School auditorium erupted into cheers when the top two jazz bands were announced at the end of the Class 3A NEIBA Jazz Band Festival Saturday. The VSHS Jazz Band finished second, earning an automatic trip to the State Championships in Des Moines.

The Independence Jazz Orchestra finished first; the VS band finished second behind them last year, as well.

"Go out there and have fun," Director Karl Smith told the band members as they warmed up in their band room. Smith urged the musicians to enjoy playing in the event in "our house."

Nicholas Gardner added to his list of saxophone awards by earning an "Oustanding Soloist" honor.

The VS band members and their parents spent the day at the school, doing a variety of jobs related to hosting such an event. Some students served as couriers, delivering the judges ballots and bringing them their supplies. Several parents manned the ticket booth, hospitality room and cafeteria, where they offered breakfast and lunch menu items. Others helped escort each band to the auditorium and set up their instruments and equipment.