Joanne Lindholm photos The Iron Mountain High School jazz band performed for the Golden K Club. From left, front row, Bella Person, Elena Nelson, Benjamin Truong, Sadie St. John, Jaxon House; middle row, Lucy Baumgartner, Laci Miles, Lilah Schafer; back row, Bryce Johnson, Raina Kafka (not shown), Timothy Recla, Georgia Monday, Juliana Tapio, Jax Ehrhardt, Craig Recla, Iron Mountain High School band director.

By JOAN JOUPPI

For The Daily News

KINGSFORD — Sunshine made a perfect setting for the weekend of Easter.

Plans were made and executed on Saturday around town for some serious egg hunting events. Aromas of special Sunday dinners wafted through the air. It was a much anticipated time for families to share quality activities.

Still feeling euphoric from the holiday festivities, a spattering of rain didn’t hinder the Golden K seniors from their Monday meeting. Anticipation ran high for a special presentation by the Iron Mountain High School Jazz Band.

Chairman Brett Calcari began opening ceremonies with Alyce Derwinski on piano, followed with Lois Outcelt leading the singers. Some familiar old tunes filled the room with music as the Iron Mountain Jazz Band students began to arrive. Some of the songs from long ago were familiar to the seniors, and a novelty to the students. “Yankee Doodle Dandy,” “Yes Sir That’s My Baby,” and “Take Me Out To The Ball Game” were the day’s choices.

Welcomed guests included Bill Menza, Bonnie Spanton and Lois Chartier. Pat Polzin had the lucky 50-50 ticket and Gary Proudfit read Happy Dollars. With the business meeting complete, Iron Mountain High School Band Director Craig Recla took center stage.

Recla has been working with the Iron Mountain Schools for several years and has brought students and music to the Golden K many times. Members are consistently treated to outstanding talent from these dedicated young people. They show up at 7 a.m. before classes to practice. That says a lot about the students bringing responsibility and dedication to the music.

Recla gave a brief background about the world of jazz. Traditionally, it begins with improv. Small combos would get together, playing where their heart flowed with no written sheet music to follow. Today’s students are glad to have sheet music; however, each piece is independent and the flavor of improv still shines through. Adding challenge to this amazing display of talent, most of the students play two or more instruments.

Included in the repertoire was “Running of the Bulls” by Doug Beach, “Shuffle on Down” by Bruce Pearson and “Birdland,” made famous by a group called Weather Report. Also included was a special number composed by Dr. Mark Flaherty from Northern Michigan University called “Bye Bye Brontosaurus.”

The Iron Mountain High School Band will present a free concert at 7 p.m. May 9 in the Iron Mountain High School auditorium. It is open to the public.

We were treated to a delightful program featuring excellent music interjected with solos from various students. Set aside that time and date and be ready for some outstanding musical talent directed by Craig Recla.

Golden K will meet at 10 a.m. Monday at the First Presbyterian Church in Kingsford, with Joe Rizzo representing Marshfield Medical Center-Dickinson.