It has been a year of success for the Pella Jazz programs in 2019-20. While several performances have been cancelled, including today’s Iowa Jazz Championships–where the school was seeking a 19th state championship, Director of Pella Jazz I Dameon Place says they want to focus on the special moments they had this season already. Pella’s jazz ensembles swept two of the varsity divisions in the Hoover Jazz Festival on February 29th, which is one of Iowa’s largest jazz festivals annually. Place says they held a 7-12 grade clinic day prior to school closing as well, with a professional musician coming in and sharing and teaching a piece he wrote to the strengths of Pella Jazz I, which they were able to perform in concert. Several Pella Jazz I musicians earned All-State recognition from the Jazz Educators of Iowa, including:

Annaleigh Babcock, Trumpet (3-time qualifier)
Isaac Piersma, Drums (3-time qualifier)
Sam Burrows, Piano
Eli Burrows, Bari Saxophone
Jack Stratton – Bass (Alternate)

Babcock was also selected for the second consecutive year to perform with the Honor Band of America.

The 2020 Iowa Jazz Championships were cancelled, as well as any activities relating to the Pella bands through April 30th. Hear more about Pella High School Jazz on today’s Let’s Talk Pella. Tune in to a special program featuring Pella Jazz I this evening at 6 p.m. on 92.1 KRLS, followed by a special presentation of Knoxville at 6:30.