News : Division 1 rating for VSHS Concert Band

VSHS band members earned a near-perfect score at IHSMA event Saturday.

Mr. Smith directs the VSHS Concert Band during the IHSMA Large Group Music Contest.

Mr. Smith introduces the musical numbers before the band performs.

The Vinton-Shellsburg High School Concert Band and Director Karl Smith are celebrating the band's lates Division 1 rating, as well as a near-perfect score at the IHSMA (Iowa High School Music Association) State Large Group Festival.

"I'm so proud of the band students and parents," said Smith. 'It is not the rating that I'm proud of as much as I am that the students know how and what to do to set themselves for success. They worked extremely hard throughout the season to achieve this goal. Their successes throughout year were achieved because of the school district, student, and parent investment and determination to strive for excellence in music education here at Vinton-Shellsburg Schools."

(Photos here are courtesy of Jan Andreesen; see more photos at her web site HERE.