• Article Photo. Baylee Bruce
    Baylee Bruce
  • Article Photo. Elijah Mackey
    Elijah Mackey
  • Article Photo. Taylor Wheeler
    Taylor Wheeler
  • Article Photo. Grace Shultis plays french horn
    Grace Shultis plays french horn
  • Article Photo. Erica Noe on vibes
    Erica Noe on vibes
  • Article Photo. Jenna Jeffery on trombone
    Jenna Jeffery on trombone
  • Article Photo. Evan Sampson, trumpet
    Evan Sampson, trumpet
  • Article Photo. Bruce Authier, trumpet
    Bruce Authier, trumpet
  • Article Photo. Jamie Thompson, trombone
    Jamie Thompson, trombone
  • Article Photo. Bruce and Alex Dick, trumpets
    Bruce and Alex Dick, trumpets
  • Article Photo. Meredith Glynn on flute
    Meredith Glynn on flute
  • Article Photo. Meredith Glynn on flute
    Meredith Glynn on flute
  • Article Photo. Rhianna Turner on bass guitar
    Rhianna Turner on bass guitar
  • Article Photo. Jaelen Martin, trombone
    Jaelen Martin, trombone
  • Article Photo. Ryan Levis, trumpet
    Ryan Levis, trumpet
  • Article Photo.
  • Article Photo. Sam Schmidt was named an Outstanding Soloist for the VSMS Band.
    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.