Jazz 'Z' band places first

Washington Middle School?s Jazz ?Z? Band performed at the SEIBA Jazzfest at West High School in Iowa City on Saturday, March 5, and placed first in the Small Class JH (class 1A-3A middle schools) out of nine bands.John Flannery was selected by judges as the overall Outstanding Soloist for the day in the Small School JH Class. John Flannery is the son of Dr. Ryan and Diana Flannery.

The Jazz ?Z? band had three students who also received solo awards. They included: John Flannery (vibes and piano), Audrey Wubbena (alto sax) and Stephanie Plants (trumpet).

The band peformed for an audience and three judges. Afterward, they spent about a half hour with a clinician who watched their performance and worked with them afterwards.

Their selections included Doxy with soloists Olivia Pacha (trumpet), Ellie Todd (trumpet), Audrey Wubbena (alto sax), Logan Thomas (guitar) and John Flannery (vibes). Angel Eyes with solos by John Flannery (piano), Audrey Wubbena (alto sax), and Addison Six (alto sax). Their final number was Caravan featuring solos from Hanna Witbeck (alto sax), Steph Plants (trumpet), Audrey Wubbena (alto sax), Desiree Pingol (flute), Erika Hernandez (clarinet), Christopher Wallerich (bari sax) and Chloe McGuire (bass guitar).

The Jazz ?Z? Band Members are: Alto Sax: Addison Six, Hanna Witbeck, Audrey Wubbena, tenor sax: Emily Miranda, German Ramirez, Bari Sax: Christopher Wallerich, Trombone: Matthew Collett, Cameron Cole, Johnathan Bartholomew, flute: Desiree Pingol, Griselda Saghun, Isabella Gillispie, clarinet: Erika Hernandez and Megan Case. trumpet: Ellie Todd, Olivia Pacha, Stephanie Plants, Lucas Willits, Piano and vibes: Lucas Kitchen and John Flannery drum set: Justin Simmering, Grayson Fedler, and John Flannery, bass: Chloe McGuire and guitar: Logan Thomas.

They are directed by Washington Middle Band teacher Craig McClenahan.