Student ensembles and community-education offerings highlighted at Jefferson High Gold Card luncheon

Sioux Falls — Jefferson High School student groups performed for the Sioux Falls School District's Gold Card holiday luncheon, and community-education staff used the gathering to highlight upcoming classes and local instructors who contribute to district offerings.

Rebecca Bartch, one of Jefferson's choir directors, introduced Declaration, a 20-member auditioned vocal-jazz ensemble of juniors and seniors. "We had over 60 people audition for this ensemble, and this was the top 20 scoring auditions," Bartch said, noting the group was preparing for the Keltner Classic competition to be held at Jefferson on Jan. 10.

A steel pan ensemble demonstrated how the instruments are made from repurposed oil barrels and performed a medley titled "Trinidad Tidings." The instructor explained the instrument layout and identified two feature soloists, Jack and Landon.

The school's jazz program, which a director said grew from five students to nearly 40 in four years, played three pieces ranging from softer tunes to an up-tempo finale. Student soloists named during the set included Nora Cable (tenor saxophone), Emily Jepsen (piano) and Julian Heidecker (trumpet).

Organizers also promoted the community-education catalog of classes for Gold Card members, with examples including chi gong, ball drumming and author-discussion events, and they drew donated door prizes provided by local instructors. Instructors who spoke described classes that repurpose materials for journaling and offer guided journals and essential-oils instruction.

The luncheon combined student performances, community-education promotion and social time for long-standing Gold Card participants and newcomers. Hosts reminded attendees about safe departure logistics and upcoming school events including the Jefferson production of "Pinocchio."