MUSCATINE, Iowa —  March is designated as  Music in our Schools month by the National Association for Music Education   and instructors and students in the Muscatine Community are jumping on the bandwagon.

In Muscatine this month, there will be a variety of opportunities for area audiences to hear the musical talents of local students.

The MHS Jazz Band, Jazz Band Ensemble, the Jazz Catz and Jazz Etc.  choirs, along with Encore and River City Rhythm swing choirs, will take the stage at 7 p.m. today, kicking off this busy musical month.

Jeff Heid, the MHS director of bands, said the performance will give students a timely opportunity to rehearse for weekend events.

The band students will attend the Southeast Iowa Bandmasters Association District Jazz Festival in Iowa City on Saturday, March 7.

Darcy Hendriks, who with Nic Oswald, directs the MHS music choirs, said her students will travel to the Show Choir Festival Invitational in Fort Madison that same day.

All the District’s band students will perform Monday, March 9, at MHS for the annual All City Band Concert. The show brings all students in grades five-12 together for a full night of music in the MHS gymnasium.

Heid’s wind ensemble will join the MHS orchestra, conducted by Megan Cooney, on Thursday, March 26, in the MHS auditorium.

A successful season

This month’s shows will also give local audiences an opportunity to hear some award-winning music.

MHS students have had a successful semester at regional and state contests.

Hendriks said the Jazz Etc. chorus earned a Division I rating for the seventh consecutive year at the State Jazz Choir Festival  Feb. 2, when it was hosted by MHS.

“They were the only choir that night to receive straight I’s from all three judges,” said Hendriks.

The MHS Jazz Catz received a Division II rating in the same event.

Both the MHS Jazz Band Ensemble, directed by Heid and the MHS Jazz Band, directed by Kelly Workman, received Outstanding Performance ratings when they competed Saturday, Feb. 28, at the annual Coe College Jazz Summit in Cedar Rapids.

At the Tallcorn Jazz Festival in Cedar Rapids on Feb. 20, Outstanding Soloists Awards were given to Ensemble members Alex Carl and Catherine Lawrence, alto saxophonists; trombonist Brandon Dorris and Ethan Wiegle, who plays congas.

 “Jazz is a very unique and American art form that is great for our students to experience,” said Heid. “These festivals give the students a chance to work with leaders in the jazz education field, listen to amazing high school and professional jazz musicians, and have a great time performing all in one location.”

Upcoming performances to celebrate Music in our Schools Month

What: A performance by the Muscatine High School Jazz Band and Jazz Band Ensemble and the Jazz and Swing choirs.

Where: Muscatine High School auditorium, 2705 Cedar St.

When: 7 p.m. today

Admission: $4 for adults; $3 for students and senior citizens. Activity passes accepted.

nnn

What: All City Band Concert

Who: All the Muscatine Community School District bands from all the elementary school fifth-grade classes; West and Central middle schools and Muscatine High School will perform.

When: 7 p.m. Monday, March 9

Where: The MHS gymnasium, 2705 Cedar St.

Admission: No charge but donations are accepted.

nnn

What: A concert featuring the Muscatine High School Wind Ensemble and the MHS orchestra

When: 7 p.m., Thursday, March 26

Where: The MHS auditorium, 2705 Cedar St.

Admission: Free