A piano, four trumpets, six saxophones, drums, five trombones, auxiliary percussion, and guitars are coming together at Washington High School for their competition jazz band. Director Don Hughes says there’s one song he’s been holding onto for a few years for the right group and this year it’ll go to competition, “I’m pretty excited about this year, I really am. We’ve had a few building years and I think we’re strong throughout the sections.” It is a Charles Mingus song titled Moanin’.

Hughes explains the goal of the jazz season is to improve the students’ musicianship, with an emphasis on listening and trying a variety of styles. They have the auditioned competition band as well as a jazz class.

The Washington High School competition jazz band will take part in the Indian Hills Jazz Fest in Ottumwa this Saturday at 3 p.m.