Once again, the Xavier High School instrumental music department has made school history. On January 23, Xavier’s Jazz Band One kicked off their season with a Division I rating at the annual State Jazz Band Festival. The three judges gave the group scores of 48, 49, and 49 out of 50, the highest scores any Xavier instrumental group has ever received at a state festival.

Ms. Kelli Swehla, the director of instrumental music at Xavier, has great optimism for the season ahead. Despite having made school history with the highest scores, the group understands that there is room for improvement.

“The coolest part about it was that we left knowing that we could have done better,” Ms. Swehla said. Going forward, the group plans on refining their music and improving at every rehearsal.

“At this point in the season, we really need to be focused,” freshman Sean Deegan said. “We are going to keep picking at the small parts that need extra work.”

The group rehearses before school on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, in  addition  to sectionals after school on early dismissal days. Members are expected to practice outside of rehearsal to ensure that rehearsals are efficient.

Aside from scores and placements,  the group  has  one main goal for the season. “Ultimately, we just want to do our best when it really counts,” Ms. Swehla said.

The group placed 2 out of 9 bands at UNI’s “Tallcorn” Jazz Band Competition on February 18. Second is the highest placement a Xavier jazz band has ever received.

“Our placement is motivation for us to keep working hard at every practice and sectional to achieve the best score possible,” junior Joseph Bioche said.

The group’s next performance will be at Coe College’s “Jazz Summit” on February 24.

Keaton Maier 

A&E Writer