The Washington Middle School Jazz Band finished their jazz band season on a high note Thursday night, March 12th, at the All-School Washington CSD Jazz concert at the HS Performing Arts Center. Their set included "Moondance" by Van Morrison, arr. Victor Lopez, Angel Eyes, arr. Carl Strommen, and Brazil, arr. by Jerry Nowak.
The WMS jazz band also performed at the SEIBA Jazz Festvial on Saturday, March 7th. In the Small School JH Division (class 1A-3A), they tied for 4th place with Ft. Madison and placed behind Mt. Pleasant, Grinnell and Oskaloosa. Receiving solo awards at the SEIBA Jazz Festival were: Claire W, Trombone; Rita D, Alto Sax, and Mikaila M, Piano. The big moment came at the awards ceremony when the Outstanding Soloist of the Day for the Small School JH Division was announced and WMS 7th grader, Rita D., was selected as the one outstanding soloist of the day for her solo work on Moondanceand Angel Eyes.
Director, Craig McClenahan, commented on this year's band, "I couldn't be more proud of this band and how they have embraced the concepts of the different styles and harmonies of jazz and soloing. At this age, many students are fearful of soloing and we have numerous students who stepped up with great success in making the music their own. They have just been a lot of fun to work with this year."
Soloists in Moondance included: Rita D, Alto Sax; Trevin S, trombone; Ryan H, Bari Sax; Julianna W, trombone; Avery M.-trumpet; Kael M, guitar; Will G-B, Bass; on melody duets: Avery M, trumpet & Miguel T, Tenor Sax; Caleb H, trumpet & Mireya D, tenor sax.
Soloists on Angel Eyes: Mikaila M-Piano; Claire W-trombone; Rita D- Alto Sax.
WMS Jazz Band members are: Alto Sax: Rita D, Amelia D, Jasmine P. Tenor Sax: Miguel T, Mireya D; Bari Sax: Ryan H; Trumpet: Caleb H, Avery M, and Keyla A; Clarinet: Ada K and Lilly H; Flute: Kyann M; Trombone: Claire W, Julianna W, and Trevin S; French Horn: Kate F; Tuba: Teague M; Piano: Mikaila M; Drums and Vibes: Brennen W & Joseph M; Guitar: Kael M; Bass: Will G-B