Written by

Erin Lauters, Student Writer SMT

Dexter, Missouri - The Dexter Senior High School Jazz Cats traveled to Three Rivers College in Poplar Bluff to have the opportunity to work with  clinician Steve Williams in February. The Cats loaded up excitedly on the afternoon of the 13th as they were eager to see what advice clinician Steve Williams had to give them on their musical pieces.

The group, directed by Scott Rybolt, got the chance to listen to several other bands from the Southeastern region of Missouri. While actively listening to soloists as well as what the clinician was saying to other schools, the Dexter Senior High School Jazz band waited for their turn to perform with anticipation. After the clinician spoke to the group, they went to dinner, and changed to get ready for the real performance. The TRC Band performed first to kick off the night full of jazz bands playing in the Tinnin Center.

The Dexter Jazz Band was pumped and ready to go when it was their turn. The group performed "I Remember Clifford" featuring sophmore and lead trumpet Gina Magarian and "St. Louis Blues" which included a solo by senior Tyler Jones on tenor saxophone. The clinician after having a day full of high school bands got a short time of rest the next day before preparing for the group of All-District Jazz Band participants on Friday.