For the first time in Kennedy history, Kennedy Jazz 1 is going to Iowa Jazz Championships. On March 2 the band placed 2nd at their district competition, automatically qualifying for the championships. 

“We weren’t expecting that at all,” Jazz 1 Director Stephanie Williamson said. “We have a lot of really great bands in the district but they played exceptionally well.”

For “jazz districts” Iowa gets split into six parts (NE, SE, NW, SW, NC, SC). If a band places first or second at their official district competition, they automatically qualify to go to the championships. Kennedy Jazz 1 also “wildcarded” for the first time this year, meaning they beat already qualified bands at other competitions. 

“There are independently run competitions that help you get to jazz championships,” Jazz 2 Director Lesley Fleer said. “We went to a competition in Indianola. We won that competition. That looks good. We went to a competition in Sioux City and we beat a band that had won another competition. That looks good. It’s kind of like football playoffs where you can win but it also depends on who else wins.”

With the new victory though, came new challenges.

“I think when you try to do anything for the first time, it’s hard to stay motivated because there is no history behind you when you are paving the way,” Williamson said. “You’re doing all of these things without knowing what the end result is.”

The director also said that something that could be the cause of this, is a lack of understanding.

“The kids were great, they never stopped working but I still don’t think they quite understand what this is and they won’t know until they’re done,” Williamson said. “For them it’s just kind of going into the unknown and trying to be the best they can be without knowing what that prize is at the end.” 

But she said this season continues to prove to be a major success.

“I think it is the right combination of kids and music, so everything just kind of fit into this little package this year,” Williamson said. “I think they just ran with it.”

You can watch Kennedy Jazz 1 perform at the championships on April 2 in Ames.

“It’s been a great season and they’ve worked very very hard and they’ve had a lot of fun,” Williamson said. “It’s a good one.”