A-A Jazz Band on to state!

Front - Director Ryan Meyer, Brielle Kolpin, Lexy Tuttle, Michael Swanson, Jenna Snyder, Taylor Rohwer, Amber Gehrts. Second row - Shawn Henley , Brandon Glienke, Kirk Carlson, Jeff Carlson. Third row - Evan Laursen, Spencer Bezoni, Trevor Sangwin, Melanie Gehrts, Zach Lukkes. Fourth row - Allyson Zarr, Lindsay Hall, Gracie Winterhof, Kate Carlson, Kerstin Tuttle. Back row -Jayden Van Burkum, Kyle Freese, Matthew Swanson

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The band also finished in first place in class @A at the Morningside Jazz Festival on Feb. 11.

They will perform at the A-A Pops Concert tonight (Thursday) at 7 p.m. in the A-A High School.

The band will perform at the Coyote Jazz Festival on March 15 and at El Fredo's Pizza in Sioux City on March 19.

The jazz band is a competitive ensemble that is open to any high school student who plays, or wants to learn a traditional big band jazz instrument and perform at a high level. Jazz band rehearses outside of the school day on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday mornings starting at 6:50. Those performing in jazz band must show an advanced sense of responsibility, teamwork, musicianship, and commitment to excellence. Students who perform in this ensemble are exposed to the highest quality of jazz literature available. Improvisation is a focus and all students are encouraged to perform an improvised solo.

"It has been very rewarding experience for me starting this new band program," said band director Ryan Meyer. "There are a lot of enthusiastic students, parents, and community members. It has been neat seeing the two different band programs come together and share their talents. The future for the Alta-Aurelia Band is very bright. I'm proud of how these kids have worked to make sure that our new band program is something to be proud of."