On April 10, the Big Band Wolves, Elkhorn North’s varsity jazz band, took first place in class 3A at the Nebraska State Bandmasters Association Jazz Festival. Along with the achievement of back-to-back state titles for the group, sophomore Anna Edwards took the award of Overall Outstanding Rhythm Section Soloist, being recognized for her performance on the drum set.

Participating in several groups in and out of school such as the Sound of the Wolfpack marching band, BluesEd, and ENtourage, Edwards has been developing and honing her skills since sixth grade, making her one of the most talented percussion students at Elkhorn North. 

“Anna gets the most recognition of any drummer at every competition I’ve ever been to,” sophomore Isaac Asuncion said. “It’s almost frustrating how good she is at everything.”

In a jazz setting, drummers are tasked with keeping time for the entire ensemble, constantly listening and reacting to the group, and knowing where and when to add color or style. Although there is a lot to grapple with, Edwards approaches every challenge with ease and intensity.

“She (Edwards) has more creative ideas than most people,” instrumental music director Ben Petrmichl said. “Whenever it’s her time to solo, she just makes sure to do whatever she wants, and that sets her apart from everyone else.”

Combined with her solo during “The Chicken,” a song in the jazz band’s set, and Edwards’ skills displayed throughout the performance, judges were able to nominate and award her with the most distinguished award for a rhythm section member in the entire competition, outperforming students from around the state.

With an award that some wait their entire high school career to achieve, Edwards has a bright outlook on the rest of her drumming career.

“She (Edwards) is not afraid of anything,” Petrmichl said. “She is really, really confident in what she does.”