Kirkland's Kamiakin Junior High Jazz Ensemble Laying it Down All Over Town

Name and age: Kamiakin Junior High Jazz Ensemble, started in 1986.

School and neighborhood: Kamiakin Junior High, Kingsgate area

Accomplishments: The 25 seventh, eighth and ninth grade students play two or three gigs outside of school each month -- and they play extremely well with tight, rhythmic sets and standout soloists. Most recently they played at the Kirkland Transit Center opening and at the Murder Mystery Night at Cascadia Community College/University of Washington Bothell Campus.

“We are definitely one of the most mobile bands in our district,” said Keegan Taggart, a ninth grade trombone player. “We play in all kinds of places. The murder mystery gig was fun. We performed in a room about as big as my kitchen – which is pretty small.”

The Ensemble rarely goes to jazz competitions. Instead they go to festivals and community events.

“We’re so busy we don’t have time for the competitions,” said KJH band director Ward Brannman.

What they play: Latin, traditional jazz, swing.

Key to their Awesomeness: Students audition each September for the Jazz Ensemble. Students play a simple number with the band and then a simple tune individually. Brannman said working with the students is a highlight of his day.

“I think there’s an unwritten prestige that comes from students being in the ensemble,” Brannman said.

The students enjoy what they’re doing.

“Music is something I definitely love,” said Taggart. “Everyone in the band loves it.”

The key to getting into the ensemble: Practice. Lots of practice. Private lessons and extra time playing.

“Lessons make a difference for the students,” Brannman said. “You can hear it when they play.”

Upcoming Events: They’re already booked for the Kirkland Annexation Celebration at Juanita Beach Park on June 3.