Four Bellevue School District jazz bands snared honors at the recent 28th annual Bellevue High School Jazz Festival.

The festival’s sweepstakes trophy for the outstanding band went to Newport High School Jazz Band I, which also won first place in the high-school AAAA division. Pianist Ariel Pocock was named an AAAA-division outstanding soloist. The Newport band is directed by Matt Eisenhauer.

Interlake High School Jazz Band I, directed by David Kim, earned first place in the high-school AAA division. Interlake’s Jazz Band II, directed by Paul Gillespie, won first place in the high-school A-AA division.

Tyee Middle School, directed by Scott Backus, took second place in the junior-high division.

The festival, April 30-May 1, is the primary way funds are raised for the entire Bellevue High band program. A total of 50 jazz bands from throughout the Northwest participated in the competition.

“The performances showcased how incredibly talented the students are from all jazz bands,” said Vince Caruso, Bellevue High School director of bands. “We appreciate the involvement of the students, their families, the schools and the community to ensure jazz continues to thrive as an educational experience.”

Caruso also thanked festival sponsors – Kennelly Keys Music, Carlson Audio, Donn Bennett Drum Studio, Washington Awards, Bellevue Downtown Courtyard by Marriott, 520 Bar & Grill, MOD Pizza, Downtown Bellevue Safeway and the Great Basin Jazz Camp – since their involvement allows funds raised from the festival to be spent on music education.

For a complete list of festival honors, see http://bellevuehighband.com/pages/bell-jazz/winners.html.