CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- Jazz Ensembles at two Jefferson County Schools earned the state's top honor when they were named 2023 West Virginia State Honor Jazz Bands. Student musicians from Harpers Ferry Middle School (HFMS) and Washington High School (WHS) traveled to Charleston to perform at the WV Music Educators Association Conference on March 2.
WHS Director of Bands Lisa Hazelett said her students had to work fast to prepare for their performance.
"I've spoken to some of our wonderful band directors in Jefferson County Schools who have earned this honor in the past, and they have shared some best practices for logistics with me," Hazlett said.
Hazlett said this is the first state accolade for the WHS Instrumental Music Department, and it speaks to the dedication of the students. The designation is especially poignant to Hazlett, who became the first female high school band director in state history to earn an honor band designation.
"This is an amazing accomplishment for our talented jazz musicians," she said. "March is Music in Our Schools Month and Women's History Month, so these honors are very timely."
HFMS Band Director Charles Wall agreed, saying it is a huge honor for the students who work hard to balance a demanding schedule.
"Our students are very excited to represent West Virginia at the WV State Music Educators Convention. They spend so much time practicing throughout the year, and excel in academics as well as music."
This is the fourth time HFMS has been selected as a WV Honor Jazz Band.
| WHS 2023 Jazz Ensemble | HFMS 2023 Jazz Ensemble |
| Eric Brady | Aiden Bauer |
| Lydia Brown | Caeley Trujillo |
| Amelia Dardaris | Liam Hall |
| Becky McGivern | Payton Schneble |
| Jacob Perkowski | Alexa Stone |
| Nathan Trimmer | Wren Rice |
| Josh Molina | Keating Amos |
| Harper Broomall | Sean Wagner |
| Seth Vorhauer | Alex Bartlett |
| Eashan Hatti | Georgia Hennigan |
| Ben Caltrider | Ryan Martinez |
| Jacob Perkowski | Even Meley |
| Becky McGivern | McKenna Kells |
| Patrick Hazlett | Aurora Jackson |
| Gavin Frazier | Kaylie Toth |
| Rhett Snyder | Hollyn Rossi |
| Nick Sakole | Naia Prevatil |
| Jonathan Hartzell | Clara Adams |
| Mason Bennett | Illa Sapatsko |
| William Carr | Makenna Stovall |
| Madison LaVigne | Thad Jackson |
| Emilio Perez-Diggs | Harrison Garrett |
| Lauren Rossi | August Thompson |
| Maddox Showen | Zane Lambert |
| Lucas Vega Leon | Anna Lassen |