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  • Article Photo. Alyssa Bunge plays a solo during the Band Extravaganza event at VSMS Monday evening.
    Alyssa Bunge plays a solo during the Band Extravaganza event at VSMS Monday evening.
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  • Article Photo. Karl Smith congratulates Louis Armstrong Jazz Award winner Jared Gosse.
    Karl Smith congratulates Louis Armstrong Jazz Award winner Jared Gosse.
  • Article Photo. Matt Walton received the John Philip Sousa Award
    Matt Walton received the John Philip Sousa Award
  • Article Photo. Nick Gardner, All State Jazz Band
    Nick Gardner, All State Jazz Band
  • Article Photo. Sixth grade band members played several songs.
    Sixth grade band members played several songs.
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  • Article Photo. Matt Walston, Logan Halstead and Jared Gosse were the VSHS Band Senior Award winners honored Monday.
    Matt Walston, Logan Halstead and Jared Gosse were the VSHS Band Senior Award winners honored Monday.

Sixth grade musicians at the start of their school band careers, as well as seniors playing in one of their final shows, all took their turns playing during the annual Band Extravaganza event in the VS Middle School gym Monday evening.

Middle School Band Director Jodi Bierschenk directed the 6th, 7th and 8th grade bands while VSHS Director Karl Smith led the Symphonic Band.

Mr. Smith also presented the Senior Awards. Matt Walston received the John Philip Sousa Award; Logan Halstead, the Iowa Bandmasters Association Award of Merit;  and Jared Gosse, the Louis Armstrong Jazz Award. Nick Gardner was also recognized for his selection to the All-State Jazz Band.