Jazz bands from West Albany High School and North Albany Middle School brought home awards from the West Salem Jazz Festival last weekend.
The West Albany High School jazz band is directed by Stuart Walsh. The North Albany Middle School jazz band is directed by Andy Nelson.
West Albany Jazz Band II: 1st Place – High School Novice Division
West Albany Jazz Band I: 2nd Place – High School Heavy Division
NAMS Jazz Band: 1st Place – Middle School Intermediate Division
The sixth annual event drew high school and middle school bands from around the state in classifications ranging from no festival experience to established programs with extensive experience.
The high school novice division is for bands with no festival experience; the heavy division is for bands with established programs, medium to difficult charts, mature concept of style and mature soloists.
In addition to performing and listening to other student performances, the students attended a concert by guest artist Jeff Coffin, a professional saxophonist.