Here at Lake Shore, we have many clubs and groups; one of the most overlooked and underestimated groups is our jazz band. The jazz band is taught and directed by Gregory Alter, who is also the band teacher for the high school and middle school. The jazz band is held after school on Wednesdays, 6-8 pm. 

Recently, our jazz band went to MSBOA, a competitive competition where you are scored based on how you play. The Jazz band got straight 1’s, which was a huge accomplishment since the jazz band hadn’t gotten that high of a score in a very long time.

Alter said, “Our ultimate goal this year was to get division one at the state jazz festival (MSBOA), but it hasn’t happened since 2019. This year, we finally got over that hump.” He expressed being very proud of his group and very pleased with how they did at the festival. 

 Students in jazz all expressed feeling differently about their win.  Jacob Barker, senior, said. “We are very  confident in our program and what we are doing here.”

Abagail Zelenak said, “I was shocked, but also not like, I don’t know. Just a good feeling.” They feel proud of themselves and almost feel that they have finally achieved that goal.

Over this year, the jazz band has played many songs, and they definitely have their favorites. “It would have to be Orange Sherbert,” Jake Lucido said.

 Another response given by Colt Schmelzle was, “I really liked Sugar Plum.” 

The last song given by two students was “Touchdown”. “I really liked playing ‘Touchdown’ this year,” Justin Allensworth said. 

Jacob Troy, agreeing with Justin’s response, said, “Oh yeah, I agree with Justin. I liked ‘Touchdown.’”

This upcoming month, jazz band has a spring concert on May 20 at Memorial Park. They will have food trucks and fun activities, including hearing the jazz band, the middle school band, and the high school bands play.