After qualifying at the district Jazz Festival in Houlton back in February, the PIHS Jazz Choir scored a seat at the State Vocal Jazz Festival in Millinocket on April 1.
PIHS sent a mix of seniors, juniors, sophomores and freshmen comprised of 10 vocalists and three instrumentalists to the jazz fest at George W. Stearns High School two weeks ago.
The Presque Isle Jazz Choir returned home with honorable mentions. They were up against schools from Waterville, Bangor, Fryeburg Academy, and two groups from Nokomis.
“They were ecstatic, nervous, but we sang those songs as well as we could possibly sing them,” Presque Isle Choral Director Jerry Levasseur said. “I’m very competitive and really went down well prepared.”
Presque Isle students sang “Honeysuckle Rose” featuring senior Abby Shaw, “What am I to do” featuring sophomore Jordan Scott, and “Take Five” featuring senior Aaron Swanson.
Shaw, Scott, Swanson, Miranda Bragan, Jayden Blake and Anna Robinson all received top ratings of 1.
Fryeburg Academy took home the gold, Nokomis Vision scored silver and the Bangor Jazz Choir received bronze.
“We had a blast. We’re talking about going back next year. The students felt wonderful about it,” Levasseur said.
