A select group of aspiring musicians had something to be truly jazzed about? recently.

Auditions for Georgia Music Educators Association District 2 Jazz Band were held Monday, Oct. 2 at Thomas County Central High School. This was the school’s first time hosting the auditions, according to TCCHS Bands Assistant Director Paul Johns, and eight of its young musicians made the band.

These students are Eric Webb (alto saxophone), Doren Barrientes (tenor saxophone), Meredith Hurst (trumpet), Mackenzie Sellars (trumpet), Olivia Osgatharp (trombone), Nathan Davis (drum set), Sierra Stephens (piano) and Joshua Stephens (bass guitar).

“I auditioned for this to further my learning experience in jazz band,” Doren Barrientes, 17, said. “When I found out that I got first chair tenor, I was so excited. We had some heavy competition, and to make first [chair] got me really excited. I called my mom right after I heard the news.”

Johns, who directs the school’s jazz band, is proud of all students who auditioned. He said the entire jazz band class tried out this year.

“I’m proud of all students who auditioned and the progress they made because of this process,” he said.

Some students who auditioned for this band made a high enough score to audition for the All State Jazz Band in December. These students are Eric Webb, Doren Barrientes, Isaiah Manning, Sierra Stephens, Will Baillargeon, Olivia Osgatharp, Nathan Davis and Meredith Hurst.

The GMEA District 2 Jazz Band event will be held Feb. 8, 2018, at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College (ABAC). Barrientes looks forward to the experience.

“I can’t wait to see the teachers and fellow students,” he said. “I’m excited to learn more about what I love to do!”