• Article Photo. Director Karl Smith directs the VS Jazz Band.
    Director Karl Smith directs the VS Jazz Band.
  • Article Photo. Logan Halstead and James Yenser played solos.
    Logan Halstead and James Yenser played solos.
  • Article Photo. Nic Gardner plays his saxophone solo for the VSHS Jazz Band at State contest.
    Nic Gardner plays his saxophone solo for the VSHS Jazz Band at State contest.
  • Article Photo. Soloists Claire Andreesen and Nick Gardner
    Soloists Claire Andreesen and Nick Gardner
  • Article Photo. The VSHS Jazz Band performed at IHSMA State Festival at Union HS Saturday.
    The VSHS Jazz Band performed at IHSMA State Festival at Union HS Saturday.
  • Article Photo. Megan Jorgensen and Tyler Johnson
    Megan Jorgensen and Tyler Johnson
  • Article Photo. The VS Jazz Band during its performance Jan. 15.
    The VS Jazz Band during its performance Jan. 15.
  • Article Photo. Megan Jorgensen and Matt Walston played solos at State Jazz Band event.
    Megan Jorgensen and Matt Walston played solos at State Jazz Band event.
  • Article Photo. Logan Halstead plays her trumpet solo.
    Logan Halstead plays her trumpet solo.
  • Article Photo. Lauren Murphy plays the piano while Nic Gardner performs his sax solo.
    Lauren Murphy plays the piano while Nic Gardner performs his sax solo.
  • Article Photo. Claire Andreesen stands to play her sax solo.
    Claire Andreesen stands to play her sax solo.
  • Article Photo. Megan Jorgensen plays a solo.
    Megan Jorgensen plays a solo.

     The Vinton-Shellsbur Jazz Band went to La Porte City for its first contest of the year, the IHSMA State Jazz Band contest. They received a Division 1 rating. This continues the string of Division 1 ratings the band has received in Marching Band and Jazz Band events. The Jazz Band earned a trip to the Iowa State Jazz Band Championships last year.

     The Benton Community Jazz Band and Union jazz bands also performed. Benton performed  "The Defibrillator"  and "Mr. Zoot Suit" and "Hit the Bricks." Union performed "Puddle Jumpin'" and "Angel Eyes" and  "Running of the Bulls."

   Thanks to Jan Andreesen for photos and videos and to Nancy Jorgensen for photos. And congratulations to Mr. Smith and the band members!

    To hear the Jazz Band's performance, click any of these links. Then sit back and enjoy these talented folks as they play "Caravan",   "A Sentimental Mood" and "Choose Your Blues"

....as well as last year, it's never outdated!

  Song 1 , Song 2 and Song 3