Board approves Grants High School jazz band trip to Fort Lewis College festival

The Grants-Cibola County Schools Board voted unanimously Tuesday to approve Grants High School’s jazz band travel to the Fort Lewis College Jazz Festival in Durango, with regional festival preliminaries scheduled March 5 in Farmington.

Superintendent Weidner recommended the trip and asked the board to approve students representing the district at the festival. "I recommend that we send these guys to Fort Lewis and have them representing our school district," he said.

Board member Jaramillo moved to approve the amended agenda so the travel request could be considered immediately after recognitions; Doctor Archambault seconded the motion and the board adopted the agenda before taking the travel item. After a brief presentation from band director Mr. Griner and short statements from student musicians, the board took a roll-call vote and the motion carried.

Students told the board the festival provides listening and performance opportunities that improve ensemble playing. "Last year, I noticed after we came back from our trip, our band improved," one student said. Griner described the trip’s structure: the concert band attends a regional festival in Farmington, while the jazz band continues to Durango for workshops and a guest-artist session.

The board did not alter the trip itinerary during the meeting. Board members praised the students’ preparation and the educational value of the trip before approving the travel.

The district will coordinate logistics and notify families with final travel details and schedules. The band’s scheduled performances and festival dates appear in the superintendent’s event calendar; the board asked administration to report back on outcomes after the trip.