• Article Photo. Dustin Martens performs a sax solo for the VS Jazz Band during State Festival Tuesday in DM.
    Dustin Martens performs a sax solo for the VS Jazz Band during State Festival Tuesday in DM.
  • Article Photo. The Jazz Band's trip to State began with pep rally at VSHS Monday afternoon.
    The Jazz Band's trip to State began with pep rally at VSHS Monday afternoon.
  • Article Photo. The band rehearsed its routine for student body before leaving for Des Moines.
    The band rehearsed its routine for student body before leaving for Des Moines.
  • Article Photo. Matching green t-shirts worn by band members, friends and relatives showed community support.
    Matching green t-shirts worn by band members, friends and relatives showed community support.
  • Article Photo. The first stop was at Stellas, where the students experienced a unique method of ice cream service.
    The first stop was at Stellas, where the students experienced a unique method of ice cream service.
  • Article Photo. Katherine Dick was among the students who helped catch their shakes as they were poured.
    Katherine Dick was among the students who helped catch their shakes as they were poured.
  • Article Photo. Katherine Dick reacts to the results of the ice cream shake pouring experience.
    Katherine Dick reacts to the results of the ice cream shake pouring experience.
  • Article Photo. Will Hancock prepares to receive his ice cream.
    Will Hancock prepares to receive his ice cream.
  • Article Photo. Clare Andreesen takes her turn at the shake pouring experience.
    Clare Andreesen takes her turn at the shake pouring experience.
  • Article Photo. The band performs its show during the State competition.
    The band performs its show during the State competition.
  • Article Photo. Dustin Martens performs his sax solo.
    Dustin Martens performs his sax solo.
  • Article Photo. Chelsea Brown won a soloist award with her trombone playing at State Jazz Band Contest.
    Chelsea Brown won a soloist award with her trombone playing at State Jazz Band Contest.
  • Article Photo. Band Director Karl Smith led Jazz Band to first State appearance in 10 years.
    Band Director Karl Smith led Jazz Band to first State appearance in 10 years.
  • Article Photo. Band members pose for official State photograph after their performance.
    Band members pose for official State photograph after their performance.
  • Article Photo. Jared Gosse prepares for a faceful of ice cream as he hopes for a cupful instead.
    Jared Gosse prepares for a faceful of ice cream as he hopes for a cupful instead.
  • Article Photo. Will Hancock experienced the unique ice cream serving at Stella's.
    Will Hancock experienced the unique ice cream serving at Stella's.

(Photo 1 courtesy of Katrina Langstraat; Photos 2 through 16 are courtesy of Nancy Jorgensen)

For the first time in 10 years, the Vinton-Shellsburg Jazz Band earned a trip to the State Jazz Championships.

The Jazz Band did not place in the top eight, but many parents said the band played its best in the last contest of the season. Only the eight highest scoring bands are listed in the final awards presentation. 

Senior Chelsea Brown, who won many honors throughout the year, was named and Outstanding Soloist for her trombone playing. 

The band left the school after a pep rally Monday afternoon, performed on Tuesday and returned Wednesday morning.