The Hays High School jazz and concert band had a concert on March 11 in the Hays High gym that included senior recognition.

Jazz band performed three songs, including “Gears” by Les Sabina, “Mas Que Nada” arranged by Mark Taylor and “All in for the Blues” by Doug Beach. This semester, band director Hector Hernandez allowed all instruments in the jazz band rather than just jazz instruments.

Concert band performed four songs, including “Sentinel” by Robert Sheldon, “Amparito Rocca” by Jaime Texidor arranged by Garry Fagan, “Benediction” by John Stevens and “Darklands March” by Randall Standridge. “Benediction” was conducted by the middle school band director Alexander Crowley while “Darklands March” was conducted by senior Katelyn Willemsen.

“I think the piece went well at the concert,” Willemsen said. “It felt like the ensemble, and I had good communication, and the students respected and trusted me on the podium.”

On March 25, the band played “Sentinel” and “Amparito Rocca” at Barton Community College for a clinic, where two professors judged the ability and sound of the band.

26kfischer@usd489.com