Big things happened for the Snoqualmie Valley School District Music Program this weekend. For the second year in a row, Twin Falls Middle School Jazz Band l placed first in the Bellevue Jazz Festival Middle School Division. Mount Si Jazz Band ll, competing with Garfield III and Newport III Jazz Bands, took 3rd place. Twin Falls 7th grader, Connor Drake, also won “Best Piano Soloist.”
The Bellevue Jazz Festival is like “the state championships of jazz bands,” as someone described it for me. It’s a huge deal for the talented jazz bands at TFMS and MSHS – and a testament to the kids’ dedication and hard work. Congratulations!
This 30th Annual Bellevue Jazz Festival showcased the talents of 25 middle and junior high school bands who competed on Friday, May 4th. Another 25 high school bands, representing A-AA, AAA and AAAA divisions, competed on Saturday, May 5th. All of the adjudicated sessions took place in the Performing Arts Center at Bellevue High School Final.
The top four middle school bands were: 4th place – Eckstein Middle School; 3rd place – Mercer Island; Valley View – 2nd place; and TFMS Jazz I – 1st place. This is the second consecutive year Twin Falls Jazz l placed first under direction of Matt Wenman. Band members everyday before school begins at 6:30AM .
After Friday’s competition, Danny Kolke, owner of Boxley’s Place in North Bend, opened the restaurant after hours so band members and their families could celebrate the huge accomplishment. Danny volunteer teaches the second jazz band at Twin Falls. He is also a great jazz pianist. Boxley’s is a big supporter of Snoqualmie Valley schools, often hosting band boosters fundraisers and future jazz nights where high school and middle school kids play with the seasoned music pros. There is live jazz music every night of the week at the North Bend restaurant and jazz venue.
You can view the winning TFMS Jazz l performance, “Afro Blue,” here.
