Opinion : Jazz Band Memories

Hi,

Just wanted to send in a few comments about the Vinton-Shellsburg Jazz Band playing at the Iowa Jazz Championships yesterday.

Back in 2000, I was a member of V-S Jazz I. We worked hard all year, and were crushed when we didn't get an automatic bid at the district contest. Then, we were fortunate enough to recieve a wildcard bid to the IJC.

It was an incredible experience, definitely one of the highlights of my high school career. I was just a freshman - playing tuba and bass trombone in the jazz band. I will never forget what it was like to walk out on the stage at the Convention Complex and see so many faces from home, cheering us on, holding up "Go Jazz I" signs. I can only hope that the crowd watching our band yesterday gave those performers the same feeling. The room was full of familiar faces from the school district, and I'd guess that the current Jazz Band will look back on the experience as fondly as those of us who were proud to play ten years ago do.

Jessica Rundlett