E.B.H.S. JAZZ BAND COMPETES AT CHAMPIONSHIPS
Eddyville-Blakesburg High School Jazz Band competed in class 2A competition at the Iowa Jazz Championships
On Tuesday April 12th, the Eddyville-Blakesburg High School Jazz Band I competed in class 2A competition at the Iowa Jazz Championships in Des Moines. This is the twenty-fifth year in a row that the E.B.H.S. Jazz Band has qualified for the Iowa Jazz Championships.
Five students were honored by the judges with Outstanding Soloist Awards: Tanner Powers; piano/vibes, Anna Haselhuhn; trumpet, Brooke Lunsford; alto sax, Heath Rice; trombone, & Kai Ishida; vibes. Brooke Lunsford was also honored by being chosen as one of the four Outstanding Soloists of the Day.
Sixty of Iowa’s top high school jazz bands in four classes compete for state championships. Top adjudicators from colleges around the Midwest listen to each of the bands and select two from each class to perform in the evening playoffs. Bands qualify for championships by placing 1st or 2nd at their district jazz festivals or by winning at an independent jazz festival and placing ahead of an automatic qualifier.
Although the band didn’t make the trophy class at championships, this has been a great year for the band. The EBHS Jazz Band placed 2nd at the Indianola Jazz Encounter, placed 1st at the Indian Hills Jazz Festival and 1st place at the Southeast Iowa District Jazz Contest. Brooke Lunsford was named Outstanding Soloist of the day at each of these contests. The band also received a Division I rating at State Jazz Contest in Muscatine.
There are 28 members in the Eddyville / Blakesburg Jazz Band this year including saxophones: Brooke Lunsford, Riley Arnold, Jacob Lane, C.J. Gordy, Sam Claypool, Steven Donohue, and Kelly Lane on flute. Trumpets: Anna Haselhuhn, Jacob Bunnell, Alexis Brandt, Michael Gates, Bradley VerSteegh, and Nate Johannes. Trombones: Gordon Lasley, Heath Rice, Sean Owens, and Nathaniel Harris . Rhythm Section Members: Tanner Powers; piano, Jessy Jones; bass, Sadie Chambers; drums, Kyle Taylor; drums, Kai Ishida; vibes, Jered Abernathy; guitar, Megan Street; piano, Ginny Lasley, Amelia Fischer, and Andrea Long on auxiliary percussion. Mr. Overton would like to thank all of the parents and friends who attended the competitions for their support.
