The jazz band’s solo and ensemble group performed at the state competition March 25 after receiving two superior rankings for their MPA performance in February.

“This is a really big deal for solo and ensemble,” sophomore Alex Colón said. “We’re going to be practicing more and keep working hard and hopefully do better at state than we did at MPA.”

Seniors Brett Wendrzyk and Dex Wilborn,  juniors Riley Audet, Jack Goffinet and Alex Ludeman, and sophomore Alex Colón were to perform “So What” by Miles Davis for their jazz combo.

“Dex’s dad came in and helped us practice,” junior Jack Goffinet said. “I think we should do pretty well, hopefully a superior.”

Dan Wilborn plays saxophone in a professional jazz band. He and his band practiced with solo and ensemble by playing through the song and improvising solos.

“Dex’s dad’s band listened to us and critiqued us,” Colón said. “They helped us create a mood and dynamic to our solos. The song improved tremendously.”

By Sommer Hidy