Mid-Prairie’s Jazz Band is preparing for its upcoming performances in Cedar Rapids and Cedar Falls. The band is coming off a successful trip to the State Jazz Contest held January 31st, where they received their sixth consecutive Division 1 rating. According to Mid-Prairie Band Director, David Kunz, the contest is not a qualifying event for the Iowa Jazz Championships, but it does give them an idea of who else is competing at their level.

Kunz says they’ll qualify for the Championships if they get first or second place at the District Jazz Contest in early March, something they were able to do last year.

Before that competition, the band will perform in the University of Northern Iowa Tallcorn Jazz Festival on the 21st, and in the Coe College Jazz Summit on the 27th.