WMU Jazz Band closes the season on a high note

WINFIELD — The Winfield-Mt. Union Jazz Band capped off another successful season this week with a ninth-place finish in Class 1A at the Iowa Jazz Championships in Ames. This marks the fourth year in a row that WMU has placed ninth in the state competition — a remarkable run of consistency for the small but mighty program.

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Perhaps even more exciting for the Winfield community was the individual recognition for trombonist Brynn Pogmore, who was named one of just four outstanding soloists in Class 1A. Pogmore’s performance also earned her a scholarship.

The Iowa Jazz Championships, founded in 1976, is widely regarded as the pinnacle of Iowa high school jazz. The event brings together 60 of the state’s top bands — 15 from each of four classes based on school size — for a one-day competition held in Ames every April.

WMU was one of just 15 bands from across Iowa to compete in Class 1A, performing at Iowa State’s Fisher Theater April 8.

“I was extremely proud of our group this year at Iowa Jazz Championships,” WMU Music Director Lindsey Pogmore said. “It's never a given if you're going to get the invitation to go, so we were very excited to just be included in the top 15 1A Jazz bands in Iowa.”

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The path to state isn’t easy. Bands qualify either by finishing first or second in their district jazz festival or by earning one of just three wild card bids, determined by the Iowa Jazz Championships Board of Directors. The wild card process looks at a band’s success at other festivals throughout the season, as well as how they’ve competed against other qualifying bands.

WMU’s band features both middle school and high school students — something that makes their accomplishment even more impressive.

“Our band, which includes middle and high school students, played absolutely lights out in Ames,” Lindsey Pogmore said. “I was so proud of the work that they've put in and the progress they've made.”

While Moravia claimed the 1A state title this year, with Kingsley-Pierson and Madrid rounding out the top three, WMU earned its familiar ninth-place spot. But for the Winfield crowd, the real headline came when Brynn Pogmore’s name was announced among the Class 1A Outstanding Performers.

“The extra cherry on the top of the day for us was Brynn being recognized as one of the festival's Outstanding performers,” said Lindsey Pogmore. “To be named one of only four in all of class 1A is fantastic and was a great honor for her to receive!”

The four outstanding performers in Class 1A this year were:

WMU’s band took to social media after their performance, celebrating a season of hard work and growth.

“They make our school PROUD! Regardless of what hardware we bring home tonight, it's been a great season for jazz band!” the post read.

Looking ahead, Lindsey Pogmore says she is hopeful for this group of students to continue accomplishing great things in the years to come.

Comments: AnnaMarie.Kruse@southeastiowaunion.com