West Des Moines Valley Jazz Orchestra Wins Top Honors at State Competition

From a WDMCS media release:

The Valley High School Jazz Orchestra won first place in class 4A at the 2013 Iowa Jazz Championships, the largest and most prestigious jazz competition in the state.

Valley was invited to perform at the Iowa Jazz Championships after placing first at the district level performances. Bands that earn first or second place at districts are automatically invited to perform at the championships.

“We are honored to be selected and I am extremely proud of the students whom who participated,” said director Greg Simmons.

Pieces the jazz orchestra performed included “Sepia Panorama” by Duke Ellington, “Somebody to Watch Over Me” arranged by Robert Washut, “Us” by Thad Jones and “Anthropology” by Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie.