• Article Photo. The VS Jazz Band posed for a formal photo after their performance.
    The VS Jazz Band posed for a formal photo after their performance.
  • Article Photo. After the serious pose, the band members chose a more entertaining one for the photographers.
    After the serious pose, the band members chose a more entertaining one for the photographers.
  • Article Photo. Percussionist Jeremiah Janssen plays during the VS performance at State Jazz Championships.
    Percussionist Jeremiah Janssen plays during the VS performance at State Jazz Championships.
  • Article Photo. Katherine Dick plays her trumpet solo during Jazz Championships in Des Moines.
    Katherine Dick plays her trumpet solo during Jazz Championships in Des Moines.
  • Article Photo. Max Nguyen played the piano for the Jazz Band throughout the year, including State Championships.
    Max Nguyen played the piano for the Jazz Band throughout the year, including State Championships.
  • Article Photo. James Yenser plays his solo during Jazz Championships April 13 in Des Moines.
    James Yenser plays his solo during Jazz Championships April 13 in Des Moines.
  • Article Photo. The V-S Jazz Band impressed the audience with State Championship performance.
    The V-S Jazz Band impressed the audience with State Championship performance.
  • Article Photo. Megan Jorgensen plays a trumpet solo for V-S.
    Megan Jorgensen plays a trumpet solo for V-S.
  • Article Photo. Saxophone players Nic Gardner and Claire Andreesen perform with VS Jazz Band at State Championships
    Saxophone players Nic Gardner and Claire Andreesen perform with VS Jazz Band at State Championships
  • Article Photo. Nic Gardner was one of many VS jazz musicians to play a solo during the band's competition.
    Nic Gardner was one of many VS jazz musicians to play a solo during the band's competition.
  • Article Photo. The percussion section of the VS Jazz Band during State Championships.
    The percussion section of the VS Jazz Band during State Championships.
  • Article Photo. Saxophone players stand side-by-side as they perform.
    Saxophone players stand side-by-side as they perform.
  • Article Photo. The saxophone players stood for part of their performance.
    The saxophone players stood for part of their performance.
  • Article Photo. Stephanie Berry plays her trombone solo.
    Stephanie Berry plays her trombone solo.
  • Article Photo. Tyler Johnson plays his solo in Des Moines.
    Tyler Johnson plays his solo in Des Moines.

Several Vinton-Shellsburg Jazz Band fans, including parents and relatives, students and friends of the performers, went to Des Moines to see the Vinton-Shellsburg Jazz Band play in the State Championships for the first time since 2000.

Many of those who went took cameras and came back with many photos. The pictures that accompany this story were taken by Jan Andreesen, mother of  Jazz Band member Claire Andreesen.

Thanks, Jan!