State's best jazz musicians to perform on BVHS stage
By:
Staff report
The 31st annual South Dakota All-State Jazz Band Concert will be held for the very first time at the Brandon Valley Performing Arts Center in Brandon on Saturday, April 27. Each year, the All-State Jazz Band brings together South Dakota’s most talented high school instrumental jazz musicians and provides an opportunity for students to practice and perform under the direction of conductors who may be recognized around the world. The students participating in the 2019 All-State Jazz Band, selected through statewide competitive auditions, is made up of 47 students from 13 high schools.
“This is the first time that Brandon has ever hosted an All-State music event, and we are very fortunate to be selected as the host site,” said BVHS band director Tyler Nettestad. “It features the best jazz band musicians in the state of South Dakota who were selected through a rigorous audition process.”
The members of the All-State Jazz Band have been divided into two big bands, and a jazz combo, with each group being directed by a guest conductor. Tracy Heavner, saxophonist and professor from the University of South Alabama, and Doug Woolverton, trumpeter from Hermosa Beach, Calif., will each conduct a big band. The jazz combo will be conducted by percussionist and bandleader, Matt Wilson.
The All-State Jazz Band will perform at 7 p.m. Saturday, with the doors opening at 6 p.m. All tickets for the All-State Jazz Band Concert are general admission. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for high school and elementary students, and are available for purchase online at gofan.co/app/school/SDHSAA. Tickets will also be sold at the door on the night of the performance.
