It was a successful Saturday for local jazz bands at the Iowa High School Music Association state contest.

Pella was the only school in the state to have three different ensembles earn Division I superior ratings at the contest, the highest possible issued by judges.

Pella Jazz Director Dameon Place tells KNIA/KRLS News the result reflects the standards of excellence in the community and music programs.

“It goes to show the level of students we have in Pella and the support that we have from our community, because our kids are able to step up and perform at such a high level with such consistency,” Place says. “We’re really thankful and grateful for our students and their preparation.”

“It just speaks volumes to their character and their work ethic.”

The Knoxville Jazz Band earned a Division II excellent rating at the Pella site, as did PCM. North Mahaska earned a I, and at the Winterset site, Pleasantville Jazz earned a II as well.

Following performances, students received special instruction from judges. Over 140 jazz bands competed at 16 different sites across the state.