Just like the Marching Dutch, the PHS Jazz 1 group, has a successful history. They were Jazz Champs in 2019. With Covid-19 changing how the competition season looked last year, many aspects of their success were measured differently. This year, as the competitions return to normal, the jazz band hopes to return to Jazz Champs and regain their title. 

Director of Jazz 1 ,Dameon Place, describes his hope for the season. “My main goal for Jazz 1 is to be the best version of who they are. We want to be able to showcase the strengths of the ensemble in each and every performance and have a TON of fun doing it.” 

Building community is big part of attaining that goal.

“Being the best version of who they are also means building great relationships with each other throughout the year,” said Place. “We want to always support one another in all of our endeavors!”

With Place’s goals, it is obvious the team hopes to compete well at competitions, but also improve each member and their musical ability throughout the season. 

Sophomore Emily Blom is a new member in the Jazz 1 group. 

“Jazz 1 has upheld the tradition of being good, and their success is from student’s working hard and putting forth effort,” Blom said. “To prepare while knowing this, I have to hold myself accountable and practice the music so I can get better, but also because knowing the music will help the group as well.”

Jazz 1 had their first concert on December 6th. Their competitive season started on December 11th, at the SCIBA Jazz Festival in Winterset. Jazz 1 placed 1st, and the Jazz Orchestra placed 2nd, both automatically qualifying for state. There will be plenty of more opportunities to see them in action this winter.