Blue Note Jazz

By Mason S.

The Roland-Story Jazz Band is in full swing, preparing for the Jazz Championships. They are practicing after school, competing at competitions, and even bringing in university clinicians to work with the students to perfect the music ahead of this year's fierce competition. Their hard work is showing, especially at the most recent competition, the Blue Note Jazz Festival.

Blue Note takes place at Waukee Northwest High School and is a new competition both in the state, and that Roland-Story has attended. With around 60 different jazz bands competing, it was an excellent opportunity to see other schools play and learn more about Jazz in general. Waukee NW also brings in a panel of incredibly talented musicians and music teachers to be the judges and clinicians for the bands. On top of that, Blue Note has different classes to take throughout the day to help musicians refine their skills in improvisation and rhythm section collaboration. 

“Blue Note Festival is a massive competition, with lots of big schools and absolutely fantastic musicians for us to listen to and talk to,” said trombone player Bradey Haberl. “The clinics also just help us round out set before Jazz Camps, which is about a month later.”

On Saturday, March 1st, Roland-Story continued their dominance and played one of their best sets ever. RS placed first in their class at the competition and got some incredible comments from the judges. They also cleared the house for outstanding soloists and performers. Everyone who soloed got an award, and even band members who played unofficial solos did as well. The list includes: Aubrey Britten, Bass; Levi Britten, Alto Sax; Kelsey Johnston, Alto Sax; Mason Schnurstein, Guitar; Brooke Thompson, Trumpet; Eli Van Hove, Drums; Cael Vermeer, Piano; Caleb Watson, Tenor Sax; and Rhythm Section and the Saxophone Section as a whole. 

The Roland-Story Jazz Band will next face its fiercest competition this year by performing at the Iowa Jazz Championships on Tuesday, April 8th. RS will perform at the Scheman Building on the campus of Iowa State at 2:45 p.m., with awards being presented that night at 6:15 at the nearby Stevens Auditorium. They hope to see you all there! 

Location: Waukee, IA, USA

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