By Margaret Thomsen The GMG High School Jazz Band participated in a Jazz Band Festival at Vinton on January 25. Sponsor of the event is the Iowa High School Music Association. The students earned a I rating. Playing the tenor sax, Chelsea Hurd was featured during the ballad, “After Sunset”. For the song, “Big Band Theory” soloists were Emily Goettsch on the trumpet and Conor Casto on the trombone. Brock Baldazo on the drums and Chelsea Hurd on the tenor sax were soloists for the light rock, “Side Ways Walking Dog”. Three judges critiqued the Band and then worked with the group to give pointers and comments. The judges noted the Band ” …… had a very tight sound and was very rehearsed”. All three judges gave the Band a I Rating for an overall I. The Jazz Band is directed by Mr. Dan Lastovka. The band’s next performance will be Feb. 22 during the Pops Concert. GMG Jazz Band members pictured include in front: Connor Stonewall, Blaire Sonderleiter, Amy Goettsch, Shawna Hughes, Sidney Sorem and Josh Welton. Middle row includes: Chandler Kendall, Conor Casto, Wesley Steiner, Logan O’Neal, Madi Larsen and Hannah Hinson. In back are: Brock Baldazo, Jacob Burt, Hunter Smoldt, Emily Goettsch, Korey Sederburg, Mathew Lolwing and Kolton Gill.