News : VSMS bands play a few of Mrs. Trygstad's 'Favorite Things' in her final concert

Judy Trygstad leads the 8th grade band for final time in her 30-year career at VS Middle School.

The bands played some of Mrs. T's favorite songs from the past 30 years during the concert May 18.

Ashley McKenna received the Director's Award. She was recognized for her quiet leadership.

Ashley McKenna plays her clarinet during the 8th grade band performance.

Lauren Murphy played several percussion instruments, including cymbals.

The Jazz Band enjoyed a successful year at VSMS.

Judy Trygstad received many gifts, flowers and a standing ovation in honor of her 30 years at VSMS.

Sara Jorgensen and Alyssa Cantrell share the 2010 VSMS Woody Herman Jazz Award.

For 30 years, Judy Trygstad has been leading VSMS band students. She retires this year.

Matt Lash plays the trumpet; he was one of the jazz soloists at the concert May 18.

Lexi Hicok performs her piano solo for Jazz Band's version of 'Iron Man.'

Danielle Janssen plays the baritone sax.

Alyssa Cantrell plays an alto sax solo for VSMS Jazz Band.

Sara Jorgensen plays a solo during the Jazz Band's performance May 18.

For 30 years, Judy Trygstad has been directing the middle school bands for the Vinton-Shellsburg School District.

"When you do something that long, it begins to feel like it's just part of your life," Trygstad told the audience during the annual spring band concert Tuesday, May 18, in the VSHS auditorium.

But after this school year, Trygstad is leaving a part of her life behind. She is retiring from her teaching position, although she is staying in Vinton and will continue to be involved in the Community Band and in the pit band for ACT 1 productions.

The theme of the concert was "A few of my favorite things." Trygstad chose some of her favorite pieces from the past 30 years. The audience included parents of current musicians as well as school administrators. Some of the current VS administrators were once members of bands under Mrs. Trygstad's direction.

The concert included performances of many familiar old songs, from "The Sound of Music" to Black Sabbath's "Iron Man." The Jazz Band performed Earth, Wind & Fire's "September," at the suggestion of two band members.

At the end of the concert, Trygstad's colleagues presented her flowers and gifts, and she received a standing ovation from her musicians and the audience.

"I am leaving the music program in very good hands," she said. Jodi Bierschenk, who has been teaching instrumental music at VSMS for three years, will replace Trygstad. She led the 6th grade band during Tuesday's concert.

Trygstad said Wednesday morning that she was both surprised and moved by the gesture.

"It means a lot that it came from my colleagues. It's great to have that mutual respect," she said, adding that the community support she has received from so many has also been wonderful.

Trygstad also presented awards to students to honor them for their hard work and leadership in the band room. Ashley McKenna received the Director's Award. Trygstad praised Ashley for her quiet leadership, respect to her and other students, and her hard work.

"When I have challenged her a little, or even a lot, she has risen to the challenge," said the director.

The Woody Herman Jazz Award went to 8th graders Sara Jorgensen and Alyssa Cantrell.

"These two are like book ends," said Trygstad. "Every morning they are sitting in their chairs, ready before all the others arrive."

Alto saxophones are the heart and soul of jazz music, said Trygstad, praising Sara and Alyssa for the way they play their alto saxophones. Both performed solos during Tuesday's concert.

Another member of the audience was VS High School band director Karl Smith, who will be teaching the current eighth grade musicians in a few months at the high school level.

"They sounded great," he said. "They sounded really, really good."