The following was released by Minnetonka Schools:

Three Minnetonka Middle School West (MMW) students have been selected to be members of the Inaugural 7-8 Grade Honor Jazz Band sponsored by the Minnesota Band Directors Association (MBDA).

Congratulations to these eighth grade musicians:

• Ceci Stratton, trombone
• Anna Barnard, alto saxophone
• Benjamin Ogilvie, piano  

These three students were selected to be part of a 20-member jazz ensemble. More than 60 students from across the state auditioned. Students are selected based on a recorded audition which is evaluated by qualified music educators.   The Honor Jazz Band will perform at the Minnesota Music Educators Association Midwinter Clinic on Friday, Feb. 15 at 10:30 a.m. at the Minneapolis Convention Center.   

About State Honor Jazz Bands
The Minnesota Band Directors Association sponsors two honor jazz bands, one comprised of students in grades 7 and 8, and another comprised of students in grades 9 and 10. The MBDA Honor Jazz Bands provide the opportunity for select students from across Minnesota to immerse themselves in an invigorating environment of music-making under the direction of a distinguished guest conductor.