E-B High School jazz band wins districts

Local News

March 11, 2010

EDDYVILLE — On Saturday, March 6th, the Eddyville / Blakesburg High School Jazz Band placed first in class 2A at the South East Iowa Bandmasters Association District Jazz Contest in Iowa City.

The first- and second-place bands from each class qualify for the Iowa Jazz Championships, which is held in Des Moines on April 13. This is the 24th year in a row that the EBHS Jazz Band has qualified for the Jazz Championships.

Eddyville-Blakesburg placed first ahead of Iowa City Regina, Mid-Prairie, West Branch, West Liberty, Iowa Valley, West Burlington, and North Cedar in class 2A competition.

Every one of the band’s soloists received an Outstanding Soloist Awards for their solo performances. Outstanding Soloist Awards went to: Brooke Lunsford, alto saxophone; Joey Lane, Trombone; Joe Decker, Trumpet; Tanner Powers, piano; Wes Larson, bass; Corinne Owens, vibes; C.J. Gordy, alto saxophone; Jacob Lane, Tenor Sax; and Kyle Taylor, timbales.

Brooke Lunsford was honored by being selected as the Outstanding Soloist of the Day in Class 2A competition for the second year in a row. The band is directed by Joe Overton.

The EBHS Jazz Band will compete at the Iowa Jazz Championships on April 13 at the Convention Center in Des Moines. The EBHS Jazz Band will perform at the annual Jazz Band Concert at Eddyville Blakesburg High School on Thursday, March 18, at 7 p.m. They will also be part of the Night of Jazz at the Daily Auditorium in Oskaloosa along with the award winning bands from Oskaloosa and North Mahaska on Friday, April 9.