Jazz band places first in Reno

The Sisters High School Jazz Band took first place in its division on its first trip to the Reno International Jazz Festival.

Over 200 high school jazz bands participate in the festival, which has been held for the past 30 years. It is the biggest festival of its kind in the United States and is sponsored by the University of Nevada Reno in conjunction with their Jazz Study program.

Of the eight high school divisions represented, Sisters High is in the smallest division, based on enrollment. There were 18 other bands representing five different states in Sisters' division.

Thirty minutes were spent playing before judges, and 30 minutes were spent working with a clinician who gave the students feedback on their performance.

"There were nine different stages with performances every half hour for two days straight," said band director Jody Henderson.

"There is just no way to take in all the festival had to offer. There was so much energy exhibited by the performers and the audiences.

"By the end of the two days, everyone had fully exerted themselves and become better musicians for it," Henderson said.

Henderson and his students were overjoyed to learn they'd taken first place in their division.

"We really didn't know what to expect, especially about how our performance compared to other bands in our division," said Henderson.

During the final showcase concert, the emcee announced the division winners to an audience of over 5,000.

The students listened as fifth, and then fourth place were announced. By the time third place was announced, they were shaking their heads, thinking they would be lucky to take sixth.

"When the emcee announced that first placed went to Sisters," Henderson said, "I was really glad to see that the students were jumping up and down as much as I was!"

"With all the prestige of this festival," said student Mark Knippel, "winning came as a pleasant surprise."

Beyond the thrill of winning, the festival was a positive experience overall.

"So many people were gathered in one place for the same reason -- great music!" said senior Chris Berger. "Everyone was easy to talk to, and I met a lot of really great people."