A ShowMe Times News report

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. – Dexter’s Jazz ‘Cats dominated the stage Saturday evening as the Southeast Missouri All-District Jazz Band performed during the 20th annual Jazz Fest at Three Rivers College.

The All-District Jazz Band, an auditioned performance ensemble of students throughout the region, performed under the direction of guest clinician Dan Schunks. Out of 26 high school students selected for the All-District Jazz Band, 19 were members of the DHS jazz group.

DHS Students participating include:

Alto Sax: Brandon Moore, Shelby Lintz and Blake Kimbrough;
Tenor Sax: Brandon Moore, Steven Harrellson, Tyler Jones;
Baritone Sax: Lauren Dudlen;
Trumpet: Hannah Huls, Lnda Love, Alex Allstun, Chris Littleton;
Trombone: Alex Rybolt, Luke Dahs, Kendra Stevenson; Chuy Lara;
Piano: Joseph Greer;
Vibes: Samantha Long;
Drums: Brandon Propst;
Bass: Blake Kimbrough, Nathan Elliot .

At Saturday evening’s concert the All-District Jaz Band performed “Senator Sam,” by Ernie Wilkins; “Fly Me To The Moon” by Bart Howard and arranged by Sammy Nestico; “The Way I Feel About You’ by Carl Severinsen and Tommy Newsom; “Village Dance” by Tom Kubis; and “Hit the Ground Running” by Count Basie and arranged by Mark Taylor.

Dan Schunks was the guest clinician for the jazz ensemble. Schunks has garnered a reputation as one of Missouri's top band directors. He retired recently after over 30 years in public education in Missouri, having taught at North County (Bonne Terre) for 22 years; West County (Leadwood) for 10 and in the Bell City school district. He is an adjunct faculty member at Mineral Area College in Park Hills and conducts the Community Band, the Mineral Area Kicks Band and teaches private low brass and steel drum class.

Schunks’ bands through the years received consistently high ratings at state contests and in jazz and marching competitions throughout Missouri. He lives in Farminton with his wife Ellen, and sons Nathan and Philip.

The Three Rivers Jazz Fest was held the week of Feb. 16 – 19 and is supported by the Three Rivers Patrons of the Arts. Three Rivers College instrumental music instructor Buddy White is the director of the jazz festival.

Photo above:
A number of Dexter High School Jazz Band students participated in the Southeast Missouri All-District Jazz Band as a part of the 20th Annual Three Rivers College Jazz Fetival. The DHS Jazz 'Cats students who were members of the All-District band gathered for a photo in the lobby of the Tinnin Fine Arts Center on the campus of Three Rivers in Poplar Bluff. Reader-submitted photo by Kay Stevenson.