• Article Photo. Nicholas Gardner was named an Outstanding Soloist.
    Nicholas Gardner was named an Outstanding Soloist.
  • Article Photo. Claire Andreesen plays her sax solo.
    Claire Andreesen plays her sax solo.
  • Article Photo. Lauren Murphy waits for the signal to begin the VSHS Jazz Band's first song.
    Lauren Murphy waits for the signal to begin the VSHS Jazz Band's first song.
  • Article Photo. Jazz Band members celebrate making State Championships.
    Jazz Band members celebrate making State Championships.
  • Article Photo. Alyssa Cantrell, sax solo
    Alyssa Cantrell, sax solo
  • Article Photo. Will Hancock plays his drum solo.
    Will Hancock plays his drum solo.
  • Article Photo. Logan Halstead, trumpet solo.
    Logan Halstead, trumpet solo.
  • Article Photo. Matt Walston's trombone solo.
    Matt Walston's trombone solo.
  • Article Photo. Megan Jorgensen plays a trumpet solo.
    Megan Jorgensen plays a trumpet solo.
  • Article Photo. Megan Jorgensen and Tyler Johnson
    Megan Jorgensen and Tyler Johnson
  • Article Photo. Mr. Smith leads the VSHS Jazz Bands in warm-ups before their performance.
    Mr. Smith leads the VSHS Jazz Bands in warm-ups before their performance.

     The Vinton-Shellsburg High School auditorium erupted into cheers when the top two jazz bands were announced at the end of the Class 3A NEIBA Jazz Band Festival Saturday. The VSHS Jazz Band finished second, earning an automatic trip to the State Championships in Des Moines.

     The Independence Jazz Orchestra finished first; the VS band finished second behind them last year, as well. 

     "Go out there and have fun," Director Karl Smith told the band members as they warmed up in their band room. Smith urged the musicians to enjoy playing in the event in "our house." 

      Nicholas Gardner added to his list of saxophone awards by earning an "Oustanding Soloist" honor. 

     The VS band members and their parents spent the day at the school, doing a variety of jobs related to hosting such an event. Some students served as couriers, delivering the judges ballots and bringing them their supplies. Several parents manned the ticket booth, hospitality room and cafeteria, where they offered breakfast and lunch menu items. Others helped escort each band to the auditorium and set up their instruments and equipment.