Mitchell High School’s Jazz Bands have recently achieved remarkable success at various regional festivals, showcasing their talent and dedication. Most notably, at the Jazz on the Upper Great Plains Festival held on March 3, 2024, at Augustana University in Sioux Falls, the school’s Jazz Band II received the highest score among all competing Jazz II ensembles in the AA division. Jazz Band I continued this impressive trend by securing first place in the same division, solidifying the program’s strong reputation in the regional jazz festival circuit.
Several students were honored for their individual performances, earning Outstanding Musicianship Awards. Recognized performers included Quinton Wilson on trumpet, Leo Eggert on guitar, and Emma Plamp on saxophone. One adjudicator awarded the ensemble an impressive score of 97.5 out of 100, marking one of the highest evaluations the Mitchell program has received in recent years. Music teacher and director of Jazz Band I, Ryan Stahle, expressed pride in the students’ achievements, stating, “These students continue to raise the bar with their musicianship and preparation.”
The success extended beyond the high school level. The Mitchell Middle School Jazz Band also performed admirably, earning second place at the festival on March 2, 2024. Competing against 11 middle school jazz bands from South Dakota and Iowa, Mitchell finished just three points behind Patrick Henry Middle School from Sioux Falls. Stahle praised the middle schoolers’ focused performance, noting their proximity to first place as a testament to their hard work and growth.
Recognition and Notable Performances
The Augustana Jazz on the Upper Great Plains Festival is a well-established educational event that provides students with opportunities to perform and receive feedback from experienced jazz educators. Stahle emphasized the importance of this festival in building a strong foundation for the high school program and representing the community. This year, the Mitchell High School Jazz Band also received a superior rating at the University of Nebraska Omaha Jazz Festival on February 27, 2024. This festival, one of the largest in the Midwest, included over 40 bands from Nebraska, Minnesota, South Dakota, and Iowa.
In addition to the band’s overall honors, three students from Mitchell received Outstanding Musicianship Awards at the UNO Jazz Festival: Plamp on tenor saxophone, Eggert on guitar, and Nick Crothers on bass trombone. Notably, Eggert was distinguished as one of only nine Outstanding Soloists across the entire festival, highlighting his exceptional performance among a large pool of talented musicians.
Students also benefited from participating in clinics and presentations led by internationally recognized jazz artists. The festival featured clinicians such as Willie Murillo, a prominent California-based composer and trumpeter, and Aubrey Logan, an acclaimed American pop and jazz singer. These opportunities not only enhance the students’ skills but also inspire them to strive for excellence in their musical endeavors.
Continuing the Tradition of Excellence
The Mitchell High School Jazz Band’s competitive spirit was further evident at the Morningside Jazz Festival held on February 6, 2024, in Sioux City, Iowa, where they secured third place in the 4A division, trailing behind Sioux Falls Lincoln High School and Omaha Westside. Outstanding solo awards were presented to Eggert, Plamp, Crothers, and Quintin Spitzer, reflecting the individual talent within the group.
Additionally, the middle school jazz band competed at the MOC Floyd Valley Middle School Jazz Competition in Orange City, Iowa, on February 10, 2024, where they took second place in the 3A/4A division, the competition’s largest category. Solo awards were given to Lily Hauck, Alex Greenway, Avery Swanstrom, and Brady Weigandt for their impressive individual performances.
The achievements of the Mitchell Jazz Bands reflect not only their hard work and commitment but also the supportive environment fostered by their instructors. Ryan Stahle and Joel Van Peursem, who direct the respective bands, continue to inspire students to excel in their musical pursuits. As these young musicians represent their school and community, they set a high standard for future generations of jazz performers.
