District Jazz Band Champs Are State Bound

Alexandra Grimm, Jr., Alto Sax 1; Bensen Rohwer, Jr., Alto Sax 2; Ashlynn Gunnerson, Jr., Tenor Sax 1; Brennan Billick, So., Tenor Sax 2; Anessa Johnson, So., Bari Sax. Claire Wagner, Sr., Jazz Flute; Edie Oliver, Sr., Trumpet 1; Chloe Hustedt, So., Trumpet 2; Amelie Wilson, Fr., Trumpet 3; Owen Oliver, 8, Trumpet 3/4. Asa Flinders, So., Trombone 1; Will Stout, Fr., Trombone 2; Lilee Miller, 7, Trombone 3; Brett Evans, Jr., Trombone 3; Ian Oliver, Sr., Trombone 4 (Bass); Karson Wetrich, 8, Drum Set; Natalee Miller, 7, Piano; Aaron Funkhouser, Sr., Bass Guitar; Benn Woodall, Sr., Vibes.

By Mari Radtke
The South O’Brien Wolverines’ Jazz band is preparing for its 15th appearance in the State Jazz Competition. The group of 20, from grades 7-12 with 5 seniors, appears on stage on Tuesday April l2 at the Scheman Building in Ames. Performance times are yet to be announced.
The Wolverine Jazz Band competes in four competitions, normally. This year, due to severe cold, only three competitions were held. Competitions were at IHSMA Jazz Festival, Morningside College and the NWIBA District qualifier at LeMars. The Triton Festival at Fort Dodge was the casualty event from weather.
The Iowa High School Music Association Festival was held in Spirit Lake this year with the Wolverines earning a Division I rating. The Wolverines often claim the runner-up spot at Morningside in Sioux City, as they did again this year. Automatic state qualification is finishing either first or second at your district. South O’Brien finished first against a group of eight quality bands. There are 6 districts in Iowa.
Each South O’Brien Jazz performance is the same three pieces: “Groove Blues” by Don Menza; “Midnight Freight,” a Count Basie piece; and “Hit the Bricks” by Gordon Goodwin.
“Midnight Freight” is the feature number for the Wolverines. Musicians earning solos for this number are Senior Claire Wagner on flute and Junior Alexandra Grimm on Alto Sax.
The band will be doing a performance and visit classrooms at the elementary school on Wednesday February 28.
The POPS Concert is Monday March 5 at the high school gymnasium. The annual community performance is at the Paullina Presbyterian Church on Tuesday March 12 at 7pm.