The Jazz Band placed third, one place better than last year, in the 23rd annual Folsom Jazz festival on Jan. 28.

Seniors Richard Whitney (trumpet) and Nick Samson (baritone saxophone), and juniors Ben Hernried (tenor saxophone) and Morgan Bennett-Smith (alto saxophone) all won awards for outstanding solo performances.

Although individuals were a strong point, band director Bob Ratcliff said, “We need to play better as a whole. They can practice their own parts at home, but nothing can replace playing as a band.”

Nevertheless most band members were proud of their third place finish. Aaron Lington, coordinator of Jazz Studies at San Jose State University, said the balance between the horns and rhythm section was off. But he was impressed with the soloists, saying they were the best of the day.

Ratcliff said that the band needed more rehearsal time. He also noted that in the C band division the they are always the smallest band.

“People don’t understand. When we have 14 people playing, just about 10 percent of the high school is on stage,” Ratcliff said.