The Lamar Middle School Jazz Band is about to show off what they've got to thousands of people in Chicago. Our Victoria Maranan caught up with them to give you a sneak preview.
AUSTIN, Texas -- The 7th and 8th graders at Lamar Middle School's Jazz Factory are one of five jazz bands in the world chosen to play at Chicago's International Band and Orchestra Clinic.
The band director says they've applied four times before, but this year, when they got the invitation letter, they were ecstatic.
"These students worked really hard. I mean, we put in hours in the morning and after school. We advocate strongly on jazz education at Lamar, band in general, but jazz education more so...we have a strong focus there. I knew at some point we would be rewarded with all the hard work that we've done," said Band Director James Hairston.
The Lamar Jazz Factory will be flying out to Chicago Wednesday.
They're taking the stage Thursday afternoon at McCormick Place West.