CHARLES TOWN, W.Va. - The Jefferson Jazz Emsemble, which has received top awards through the years, won first place in a national competition in Branson, Mo., last weekend.
The jazz ensemble performed before a live audience in the 1,600-seat Bobby Vinton Theater, home of the Glen Miller Orchestra, to take the top prize in the competition, according to band Director Robert Perks.
The 22-member group performed such numbers as "Big Swing Face," "Lover Man" and "Blues for Uncommon Kids" to beat high schools from Oklahoma and Idaho in the final round, said Perks.
The Branson National Jazz Competition was an invitational contest, meaning bands had to be invited to compete. Only one band from each state could enter the contest, said Perks.
