News : Jazz Band in DM; performs today

Will Hancock plays his drum solo during the Jazz Band pep rally.

The VSHS Jazz Band will play in the State Jazz Band Championships Tuesday.

Megan Jorgensen, trumpet solo.

Tyler Johnson, sax solo.

James Yenser, trombone solo.

Logan Halstead, trumpet solo.

Nick Gardner was chosen for the All-State Jazz Band.

Nathaniel Webber, trombone solo

The band wore purple t-shirts announcing their success.

VSHS Band Director Karl Smith introduces the Jazz Band and its songs.

The Vinton-Shellsburg Jazz band is now in Des Moines, where they will perform at 10 a.m.tomorrow at the Iowa High School Jazz Championships. This is the schools fifth appearance at the State Championships, and its first back-to-back appearance. Director Karl Smith led the band to last year's event, as well. Saxophone player Nick Gardner will be recognized at the event for his achievement of being accepted into the 2011 Iowa All-State Jazz Band. Gardner is one of only two saxophone players among Iowa Class 3A schools chosen for this honor.

VSHS students gathered in the auditorium for a pep rally, where the band performed the songs they will play in the contest before loading the bus for the trip to Des Moines.

Band members include:

Alto Sax: Claire Andreesen, Tyler Johnson, Sara Jorgensen

Tenor Sax: Nick Gardner, Jared Gosse

Baritone Sax: Alyssa Cantrell

Trumpet: Katherine Dick, Megan Jorgensen, Troy Hallberg, Logan Halstead, Brandon Maier, Katie Paustian, Megan Ternus

Trombone: James Yenser, Stephanie Berry, Matt Walston, Luke Owens, Nathaniel Webber

Drums: Will Hancock, Lucas Murray, Jacob Isbell

Piano: Lauren Murphy

Bass guitar: Caleb Bendull