News : VSMS Jazz Band earns Division 1 rating, praise from judges

Baylee Bruce

Elijah Mackey

Taylor Wheeler

Grace Shultis plays french horn

Erica Noe on vibes

Jenna Jeffery on trombone

Evan Sampson, trumpet

Bruce Authier, trumpet

Jamie Thompson, trombone

Bruce and Alex Dick, trumpets

Meredith Glynn on flute

Meredith Glynn on flute

Rhianna Turner on bass guitar

Jaelen Martin, trombone

Ryan Levis, trumpet

Sam Schmidt was named an Outstanding Soloist for the VSMS Band.

While the attention is mostly focused on the high school musicians at the NEIBA Jazz Band Festival, there is also plenty of action for Middle School students, as well.

While the high school students were competing in the VSHS auditorium, the middle school jazz bands from six schools, including VS Middle School, took turns performing for the judges.

There was no formal competition and no scores were publicly announced, but VSMS Band Director Jodi Bierschenk said her students received a Division 1 (Superior) rating from the two judges who heard them play.

The judges also specifically praised several performers and offered tips for improvements.

VSMS bass guitar player Sam Schmidt was selected as one of the seven outstanding Soloists for the day.

Another VSMS student, eighth grader Jamie Thompson, played trombone solos for both the VSMS and VSHS Jazz Bands on Saturday, and will join the High School Band as it competes in the State Jazz Championships.