FORT WAYNE — Jazz bands from the DeKalb Baron Brigade performed at the Snider High School Jazz Festival this past weekend.
This year, two middle school jazz bands and three high school jazz bands participated according to band manager Shanna Lank.
DeKalb Jazz Tree had an impressive first performance of the season, Lank said.
“I had an incredibly fun time. It was my first jazz competition, and I can’t wait to see more,” said Jazz Tree pianist Mackenzie Schory.
DeKalb Jazz Too was second in their room. “Honestly, I loved it. Being able to see all these other jazz bands and being able to perform in front of people as passionate about music as I was was a breath of fresh air after the weirdness of the last year with COVID,” said said trumpeter Rylee Sleeper “Personally, I can’t wait to see everyone perform again in future competitions.”
DeKalb Jazz 1 had the best performance of the season, placing fourth in their venue. “It was exciting to listen to and support the middle and high school orchestras not only from our school, but also from Fort Wayne schools,” said junior trumpeter Lucas Hanes.
Each room handed out solo awards, and the Brigade’s rhythm sections came out strong, Lank said.
Eighth-grade student Mackenzie Schory won an Outstanding Solo Piano Award. Eighth-grade student Navaria Tyler won an Outstanding Bassist Award. Jazz Too member Aiden Smith won an outstanding solo award for his work on vibes. Jazz Too member Sam Holben won the award for most outstanding solo in his bedroom. Jazz 1 member Landon Snyder won the award for Outstanding Drum Solo.
Today the students will participate in the annual North Side Jazz Festival. Jazz Tree plays at 9 a.m. Jazz Too plays at 10:30 a.m. and Jazz 1 plays at 2 p.m. Tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for students and seniors.
