Members of the MVHS Jazz Band gather with conductor Tony Polzien (reclining in front) for a photo after the Spring Concert last week.

By Jessica Robison

Moapa Valley Progress

Moapa Valley High School Concert and Jazz bands held a Spring Concert on Monday, May 9 in the Ron Dalley Auditorium at the school.

“It went very well,” MVHS Band Teacher, Tony Polzien said. “They have improved a lot since the beginning of the year and it has been fun for me to watch them get better.”

To begin the evening, the Concert Band played three songs, one of which they had played at a recent band performance festival and received an excellent rating.

After that, Polzien distributed various awards to members of the two bands. Sawyer Bullock and Amanda May received the John Phillip Sousa Award. Matt Hastings and Chelsea Olige were given the Louis Armstrong Award and the Patrick Gilmore Award went to Jacob Ham. These three awards are given for excellent leadership skills and commitment to the band.

Another series of awards was given to Calvin McMurray, Charitie Leavitt, Ryan Garlick, Bradley Mulcock, and Megan Jackson for being Outstanding Pep Band Members. Then, Jonathon Brown and Pamela Meacham received the Music Achievement Award.

To end the concert, the Jazz Band performed three songs, two of which featured Sawyer Bullock as the saxophone soloist.

“I’m honored to be part of this program,” Polzien said. “It’s great being able to watch them grow as musicians.”