STE GENEVIEVE – Students from Ste. Genevieve Middle and High School’s After School Jazz Band spent Saturday, April 18, immersed in music and learning at the 31st Annual North County Jazz Festival.
The day provided multiple opportunities for students to grow as musicians. Middle school and high school performers took part in jam sessions centered on jazz improvisation, working to develop their ability to create and respond in the moment. The band then performed on stage and received feedback during a clinic led by Dr. Joel Vanderheyden, professor of music and director of jazz at Jefferson College and applied music faculty member at Washington University in St. Louis. During the clinic, Dr. Vanderheyden shared insight on swing style, emphasized the value of listening to original recordings and kept the session engaging with a few well-timed jokes.
Several students were recognized for their performance during the festival. Congratulations to Henry Hadel, alto saxophone; Camden Strupp, alto and baritone saxophone; and Sophia Jordan, alto saxophone, who each earned Outstanding Musicianship awards for their jazz improvisation solos.
The experience continued into the evening as students attended a concert featuring the MAC Kicks Band and guest artists Lamar Harris and Dr. Vanderheyden. During the performance, students had the chance to see one of their own directors, Mr. Joe Hull, take the stage on drum set with the Kicks Band—an added highlight to an already memorable day.
The Ste. Genevieve R-II band program is proud of the dedication and musical growth students have shown both at North County Jazz Fest and throughout the 2025-2026 school year. Nice work, Dragons!