WMS seventh-grader selected as ‘Outstanding Soloist” at jazz festival

WASHINGTON - A Washington Middle School student was selected as Outstanding Soloist of the Day for the Small School Junior High Division at the SEIVA Jazz festival Saturday, March 7.

Rita Du, a seventh-grader was honored for her solo work on ‘Moondance' and ‘Angel Eyes,' according to a news release from the school. Overall, the band tied for fourth place with Fort Madison and solo awards were handed out to Claire Wubbena for trombone, Rita Du for alto sax, and Mikaila Matheson for piano.

'I couldn't be more proud of this band and how they have embraced the concepts of the different styles and harmonies of jazz and soloing. At this age, many students are fearful of soloing and we have numerous students who stepped up with great success in making the music their own. They have just been a lot of fun to work with this year,” said Director Craig McClenahan.

Soloists in ‘Moondance' included Rita Du on alto sax, Trevin Sulentich on trombone, Ryan Hinson on Bari Sax, Julianna Watson on trombone, Avery Marner on trumpet, Kael Malichky on guitar, Will Gilchrist-Brock on bass, Avery Marner on trumpet, Miguel Torres on tenor sax, Caleb Hunger on trumpet and Mireya Diaz on tenor sax. Soloists on ‘Angel Eyes' were Mikaila Matheson on Piano, Claire Wubbena on trombone and Rita Du on alto sax.

The Washington Middle School jazz band is made up of: Alto Sax: Rita Du, Amelia Dahl, Jasmine Pascual. Tenor Sax: Miguel Torres, Mireya Diaz; Bari Sax: Ryan Hinson; Trumpet: Caleb Hunger, Avery Marner, and Keyla Aranda; Clarinet: Ada Kendall and Lilly Harris; Flute: Kyann Miller; Trombone: Claire Wubbena, Julianna Watson, and Trevin Sulentich; French horn: Kate Flannery; Tuba: Teague Mayer; Piano: Mikaila Matheson; Drums and Vibes: Brennen Westphal & Joseph McCleary; Guitar: Kael Malichky; Bass: Will Gilchrist-Brock