Bennion's Jazz Band put on a show during lunch one day that was rather enjoyable considering the age of the players. Solos were good though most couldn't be heard but otherwise balance was good. Dynamics were followed and tempo was kept. Their instructor didn't need to stand in front of them the entire time because they didn't falter when he wasn't there.
It was interesting to see that solos weren't set before the performance. There was a grouping of measures played again and again allowing for anyone that wanted a solo to get one as long as they were acknowledged by their conductor first. I was proud when my friend's little brother, who we were there to see, was allowed a solo, one of the few to be actually heard.
I was also glad to see that so many of the other students would stop and listen to the music instead of just having it sit as a background noise. Bennion exceeded my expectations of a middle school band I can't wait to go back for an actual concert.