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Winfield-Mt. Union Jazz Band strikes a high note at Lisbon Jazz Festival
With a first-place finish and an Outstanding Soloist win, WMU's jazz band kicks off the season in style at the Lisbon Jazz Festival
AnnaMarie Kruse
Jan. 30, 2025 9:26 am
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LISBON — Winfield-Mt. Union's jazz band delivered an outstanding performance at the Lisbon Jazz Festival on Thursday, Jan. 23, held at Lisbon High School. The ensemble secured first place in Class 1A, with trombone player Brynn Pogmore earning the title of Outstanding Soloist for the class.
After giving a first-place-worthy performance at the festival, WMU musicians received valuable feedback from the judges, which they plan to incorporate into their preparations for the remainder of the competitive season.
WMU Music Director Lindsey Pogmore expressed immense pride in her students' dedication and talent.
"We are looking forward to continuing to work hard as we gear up for our next few in the coming weeks,” she said.
Winfield-Mt. Union's jazz band has a history of excellence such as placing second and qualifying for the state jazz festival in Des Moines as far back as 2016.
The festival featured a diverse lineup of schools, including Anamosa, Central City, Urbana, Maquoketa, Mount Vernon, Solon, Tama, and West Branch, providing a day rich in musical performances and educational opportunities.
The Lisbon Jazz Festival is a significant event in the regional jazz calendar, offering students the chance to showcase their talents and learn from peers and professionals.
This event marked the beginning of the jazz band season for many participants. The Lisbon Jazz Festival serves as an early-season platform for bands to perform and receive constructive critiques, helping them refine their performances for future competitions. The festival's emphasis on education and performance excellence makes it a cornerstone event for high school jazz programs in the region.
The WMU music program hopes to continue to see success that reflects their commitment to musical excellence and the hard work of its students and director.
As the season progresses, the WMU jazz band looks forward to building on their success at Lisbon, aiming for continued growth and achievement in upcoming performances.
Comments: AnnaMarie.Kruse@southeastiowaunion.com