The Lakewood Middle School Jazz Band received a superior rating and brought a trophy back from the 32nd Annual Northeast Community College Jazz Festival in Norfolk Nebraska.

The Lakewood Middle School Jazz Band competed against 17 groups. “This is our first time competing in this contest and we are all very proud of the accomplishment,” commented Jake Montoya, band director.

The contest includes musicians from 10 states; Kansas, Nebraska, Wyoming, Colorado, North and South Dakota, Iowa, Oklahoma, Missouri, and Montana. The Band played for three judges and was limited to 25 minutes to set up, perform and pack up in order that they not receive a penalty.

These soloists received superior certificates for performances:

• Will Hayes, trumpet

• Sean Rahman, flugelhorn