January 27, 2013 8:50 pm •
MUSCATINE, Iowa — Jazz music took center stage Saturday as Muscatine High School hosted schools from 10 regional districts for the Iowa High School Music Association’s State Jazz Band Festival.
The bands did not compete against one another, said MHS band director Jeff Heid, but performed for judges who rated their performances.
Heid said that after performing before an audience in the MHS auditorium, each band played in a separate band room for a judge who gave the students feedback on their strong points and advice on what needs improvement.
Two MHS bands played at the festival: The jazz band and the jazz ensemble.
Many Muscatine band students, including sophomore Mark Cochran, who plays trumpet in the MHS jazz band, said they appreciated hearing the judge’s observations.
“We learned a lot about crescendos, volumes and a lot of dynamics,” said Cochran.
Cochran’s mother, Karol Cochran, volunteered at the Festival, welcoming guests, and said 185 people signed in to watch the bands Saturday which were represented by approximately 200 students.
Diane Calzaretta of Muscatine came to see her daughter, MHS senior Marina Calzaretta, perform with the MHS jazz band.
“I just come and enjoy this,” said Diane. “I’m glad we have opportunities in Muscatine to host an event like this. It’s important for the community and the high school.”
Diane said the effort requires much work on the part of the school district and the volunteers who coordinate the day.
Read more: http://muscatinejournal.com/news/local/69139c18-68f5-11e2-8c57-001a4bcf887a.html
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