Pella’s award-winning jazz program has started their season of performances and competitions.

Director Dameon Place tells KRLS News they kicked off the year by winning the South Central Iowa Bandmasters Association district contest this past weekend.

Students Levi Dugger and Hanna Blom say this year’s Jazz I ensemble has a lot of returning members, which has allowed them to perform more difficult music.

“We’re playing some tunes we wouldn’t normally play because of how challenging they are,” Dugger says. “I think that’s something that’s different from the year’s past.”

“There are a lot of people that just love to play and really, really care about being in the group, so at for my section, I’ve noticed an increase in practicing and people really knowing their parts.”

Students at Pella High School will now shift their focus to an upcoming winter break trip to the Citrus Bowl, as the Marching Dutch will perform at parades in Orlando. Hear more about the Pella band programs on today’s Let’s Talk Pella.