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Comets in the groove

Charles City Jazz Ensemble pulls off gracious hosts, swinging jazz at state festival

Jacob Nixt slows his trombone solo during the ballad “Tomorrow is Always a Good Day”, by Paul Clark. Nixt performed two improv solos, including the first one in “Bruiser’s Blues”. Press photo by Kate Hayden
Jacob Nixt slows his trombone solo during the ballad “Tomorrow is Always a Good Day”, by Paul Clark. Nixt performed two improv solos, including the first one in “Bruiser’s Blues”. Press photo by Kate Hayden

By Kate Hayden

khayden@charlescitypress.com

Student musicians in the Charles City Jazz Ensemble never missed a beat –– both onstage as they performed for the Iowa High School Music Association, and off as they hosted the day’s IHSMA State Jazz Festival in the Charles City Middle School.

“It’s tough for them to run a festival and then turn around, pick up their horns, focus and play, and I thought they did a really nice job doing that,” director Jake Gassman said after the group’s Wednesday night critique.

Even with a weather postponement thrown their way earlier in the week, Gassman said the students were able to successfully host for the five visiting school districts that attended. Students ran the soundboard, delivered judges’ ballots to the office and guided visitors from homeroom classrooms to warm-up and performance stages for the evening festival, which began at 3 p.m.

“It’s always a little nerve-wracking when that happens, but my band is wonderful. My kids are great,” Gassman said. “I’m really proud of that and how we’ve had good compliments from the other directors.”

“Really they run the festival, I just kind of walk around and make sure that if anybody has any questions I answer them,” Gassman added.

On top of logistics, students also delivered on a three-song set: “Bruiser’s Blues” by Mark Taylor, featuring soloists Jacob Nixt, McKenzie White, Jacob Greenzweig and Isaac Wink; “Tomorrow is Always a Good Day” by Paul Clark, with soloist Nixt; and “Cubano Chant” by Ray Bryan, with soloist Karissa Jensen.

The band will do some polishing on a wider set before performing at the Coe Jazz Summit next month at Coe College, then turns around to prepare the annual “Jivin’ with Jazz” dinner and show fundraiser, where community members and families can hear the ensemble’s full season repertoire.

 

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