• Article Photo. Caleb Bendull and Lucas Murray exchange high fives after the VS Jazz Band ended its performance.
    Caleb Bendull and Lucas Murray exchange high fives after the VS Jazz Band ended its performance.
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  • Article Photo. Steph Berry, trombone solo
    Steph Berry, trombone solo
  • Article Photo. Alyssa Cantrell, bari sax solo
    Alyssa Cantrell, bari sax solo
  • Article Photo. Nick Gardner
    Nick Gardner
  • Article Photo. Sara Jorgensen and Nick Schmidt look toward Mr. Smith
    Sara Jorgensen and Nick Schmidt look toward Mr. Smith
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  • Article Photo. Katie Langstraat, percussion
    Katie Langstraat, percussion
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  • Article Photo. Lexi Hicok, piano
    Lexi Hicok, piano
  • Article Photo. Kyle Jorgensen leads off a song with his cymbals during rehearsals before State performance.
    Kyle Jorgensen leads off a song with his cymbals during rehearsals before State performance.
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  • Article Photo. Caleb Bendull, bass
    Caleb Bendull, bass
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  • Article Photo. Jamie Thompson, trombone solo
    Jamie Thompson, trombone solo
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  • Article Photo. Sara Jorgensen, sax
    Sara Jorgensen, sax
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The Vinton-Shellsurg Jazz Band season ended Thursday morning in Des Moines, with the band's performance in the 2013 Iowa High School Jazz Championships.

While the VS Jazz Band did not place in the top 8, three members -- Nick Gardner, Claire Andreesen and Alyssa Cantrell -- earned Outstanding Soloist honors. Nick was also honored as a member of the All-State Jazz Band for the third straight year.

As the band gathered for photos after their performance at the Convention Center in Des Moines, director Karl Smith congratulated the band on their season, which included successes in every area: Marching, Concert and Jazz Bands.

Now, said Smith, it's time for the band members to enjoy a well-deserved break. The Jazz Band has rehearsed together at 6:45 a.m. every Monday, Wed. and Friday since the middle of October.