GCHS Jazz Band 3rd At State

Earning the highest ranking in school history, the Glenwood Community High School Jazz Band was awarded third place in Class 3A at the April 4 Iowa Jazz Championships.

Glenwood competed with 15 Class 3A bands at the state competition, marking the third consecutive year Glenwood has earned a top five ranking and 14th year the band has placed in the top 10. Harlan and Cedar Rapids Xavier earned first place and runner-up honors in Class 3A.

“We pride ourselves on having fun while we play good hard swinging jazz music,” Glenwood Jazz Band Director Dan Schoening said. “Our goal is to put in our best effort at all times and entertain the audience.  If we can do that, we have done our job. After that, it is up to the judges and, so far, it’s been working out for us.”

In addition to the overall ranking, Glenwood had three individuals earn outstanding soloist honors - Ryan LaViolette (bass), Sydney Major (tenor sax), and Haley Palmer (alto sax).