Wheeling High School Jazz Band rocks Europe

Thanks to supporters, including many Daily Herald readers, the Wheeling High School Jazz Band toured Switzerland and Italy last July. An article published in June detailed the fundraising shortfall the band had encountered but generous donations soon poured in enabling the trip to proceed.

The Wheeling High School Jazz Band I, who left for Europe in early July, played gigs for appreciative crowds for six nights. They received high praise from jazz professionals and even signed autographs. Between performances the band members were able to tour Florence, Pisa and Rome.

"It was a trip of a lifetime!" said Cole Dammeier. "We played in small piazzas as well as huge stages which were big enough for the most popular rock bands. It was awesome!" he continued.

"The Wheeling Jazz Band would like to thank all who contributed to the success of the trip," said Brian Logan, the group's director. "It was a tremendous experience for them."

The trip capped off a very successful year for the band that also performed at the Midwest Band Clinic at McCormick Place, a music conference with 17,000 attendees. They were also named the Honor Band at the Northshore Jazz Festival and were awarded Grand Champion at Jazz in the Meadows, a competition among 110 bands from five states.

Some of the Europe performances have been posted on youtube.com. To watch a video, search for WHS La Spezia or WHS Umbria.

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