There are many events that the Jazz Band takes part in throughout the year. They will begin in the spring with their first competition, the “The First Annual MU/Rock Bridge Jazz Festival,” on Feb. 5 at Mizzou. To prepare for this, the band will be having a rehearsal day with professional jazz artists on Martin Luther King Day, who will critique them so they can improve their skills. Opportunities that can be gained such as this are unique to Jazz Band.

“The ability to express themselves through an instrument,” Moorman said. “They can play gigs. You can play outside Cards’ games and probably make 200 bucks if they’re a good player.”

The students in Jazz Band have become close not only from the class itself, but from the experiences that come from being a part of it. A lot of the effort and dedication goes into being a part of this team has brought the members closer.

“I’m really grateful for the friends I have in Jazz Band,” senior Stephanie Blanchard said. “Playing in this band is far from easy, but having so many people there for support helps tremendously.”

By Morgan Carlson