2014 Iowa Jazz Championships

2014 Jazz Band Seniors

E.B.F.H.S. JAZZ BAND PLACES 6th AT IOWA JAZZ CHAMPIONSHIPS

On Thursday April 8^th, the Eddyville Blakesburg Fremont H.S. Jazz Band I placed 6th in class 2A competition at the Iowa Jazz Championships in Des Moines. This is the twenty-eighth year in a row that the E.B.F.H.S. Jazz Band has qualified for the Iowa Jazz Championships.

Two students were honored by the judges with Outstanding Soloist Awards: Jessica Jones; Vibes and Emma Haselhuhn; tenor saxophone.

The statewide competition is one of the nation's premiere high school jazz events. Seventy-five of Iowa's top high school jazz bands in five 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 1^st or 2^nd at their district jazz festivals or by winning at an independent jazz festival and placing ahead of an automatic qualifier.

There are 20 members in the Eddyville / Blakesburg Jazz Band this year including saxophones: Riley Arnold, Claire Jager, Emma Haselhuhn, Devon Severson, Hunter Kelderman, and Mika Farnum. Trumpets:, Gage DeLaCruz, Teri Jo Lane, Trenton Barnett, and Sara Loving. Trombones: Andrew Hart, McKinley Moore, Brandon Dicks, and Aaron Huff. Rhythm Section Members: Jessica Jones; Flute, Piano, & vibes, Nathan McGinnis; drums, Jackson Voyles; bass, Courtney Durst; vibes, Logan Street; congas, and Briana VerSteegh; auxiliary percussion. Mr. Overton would like to thank all of the parents and friends who attended the competition for their support. Overton also made the comment: "It has been a very fun and exciting year! I love seeing our students grow and achieve new levels of excellence. I am very proud of everyone in our jazz band."