Xavier’s ‘Jazz Band One’ headed to state championships

CEDAR RAPIDS — For the third time in school history, the jazz band at Xavier High School in Cedar Rapids is headed to the state championships.

But this year is special, because it marks the first time 'Jazz Band One,' under the direction of Kelli Swehla, qualified 'outright' for the competition, which takes place Tuesday in Ames.

Xavier placed second at the District Jazz Festival for Iowa's northwest region a few weeks ago to earn a spot at the 42nd annual Iowa Jazz Championships.

They'll be competing in Class 3A along with 14 other bands. A total of 60 jazz bands — including Marion, Washington, Prairie, Linn-Mar, Iowa City High and Iowa City West — were invited to take part in this year's competition.

Swehla, who began teaching at Xavier seven years ago, is proud to have brought some regularity to the school jazz band program and to have grown band participation overall to some 85 students.

'When I arrived, offering jazz band was not a consistent thing,' she said. 'So we began meeting in the mornings and it stuck ever since. This program didn't have a strong tradition but the culture has shifted and we have great student leadership that has led to our success as well.'

She said students meet at 7 a.m. on Mondays, Wednesday and Fridays throughout the school year to rehearse.

'This is an American art form and I think it's important for students to be able to perform that,' Swehla added. 'And jazz band offers them the chance to play music in a chamber setting. For instance we only have one lead trumpet playing. Students have the opportunity to be more independent with their instrument and they know they are the only one to play that part so it encourages a good culture and team building as they know they need to be there for the group. Plus, I just love the music.'

Swehla is pleased that the students — who range from freshmen to seniors — are getting, what she feels, is much deserved recognition for their hard work.

'Jazz band meets early and this is hard work,' she said. 'I am thrilled to see them rewarded for their efforts. It's a testament to their work ethic and their desire to do well.'

Students in Xavier's Jazz Band One are Joseph Bioche, Gus Brown, Caleb Burken, Peter Deegan, Sean Deegan, Callie Fay, Anna Garbe, Anthony Karl, Juliana Karl, Sarah King, Blake Magill, Brandon Mauss, Connor Miller, Tristen Perreault, Tommy Pudil, Max Rohret, Sam Rohret, Emma Stadelmann, Katherine Surur and David Weaver.

'Jazz Band One' performs its 20-minute set for a panel of judges at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday in Benton Auditorium inside the Scheman Building on the campus of Iowa State University. The afternoon award ceremony takes place in Stephens Auditorium at 5:15 p.m. and the Championship Concert begins at 7 p.m. Admission to the daytime competition is $10. Evening finals competition is $10.

The band's final performance of the year takes place at 7 p.m. April 18 at Xavier High School, 6300 42nd St. NE, Cedar Rapids, as part of the Xavier Catholic Schools Jazz Festival. That event is free to the public.

LOCAL BANDS PERFORM

Here is the schedule for local jazz bands performing at the 42nd annual Iowa Jazz Championships on Tuesday. For a complete schedule and more information, go to iowajazzchampionships.org.

Class 3A

10:30 a.m. — Xavier

11:30 a.m. — Marion

Class 4A

9:30 a.m. — Prairie

10 a.m. — Washington, Cedar Rapids

10:30 a.m. — Linn-Mar

11 a.m. — West High

1:45 p.m. — City High