The Bainbridge High School Jazz 1 Band, led by Chris Thomas, took home the Sweepstakes Trophy for best performance in all divisions in both the preliminary and final performances for the second year in a row at the 2018 Viking Jazz Festival.

Sixteen bands competed for the top honor in two divisions. The Bainbridge band was initially placed in the A/AA Division, but was ultimately moved up to the top division following their preliminary performance.

They were one of three bands in the AAA/AAAA division to make the final evening performance and took second place, behind Stadium Jazz Band 1.

Overall, six Outstanding Soloist Awards were presented at the evening awards ceremony to recognize the top soloists across all divisions. Bainbridge musicians took home three awards: Kevin McCann for tenor saxophone, Henry Brown for alto saxophone, and Priya Christensen for piano.

The day’s events also included a clinic with renowned jazz trumpet player Roger Ingram from Chicago, who performed with the North Kitsap High School Jazz Band in the evening performance.

The adjudicators were Wayne Bliss, Tracy Koop, and Jeff Kashiwa.