Plays in NEIBA Honor Jazz Band

Saturday, January 9, Waukon High School Band member Adam Gruman attended the Northeast Iowa Bandmasters Association Honor Jazz Band in Cedar Rapids as a member of the 1A/2A/3A band on trap set. Gruman is the first student from Waukon High School selected to participate in this ensemble. He spent the day rehearsing with only 18 other students from northeast Iowa. The band was directed by Steve Shanley, director of the Coe College Jazz Bands, who is pictured above (at left) with Gruman.
Gruman was recommended for the band by his instructor, Jo Ann Knipfer Sherman. She stated, "This was a really amazing opportunity for Adam. There was a lot of pressure for him going as the only drummer for this ensemble. The trap set player is a vital position for a jazz ensemble. Adam did his homework and prepared well for this day. He received many compliments from area directors on his musicality and ability to adapt to the needs of the ensemble. He represented Waukon very well that day." Submitted photo.