Stuck in Vermont: High School Students From Across the State Perform With the All State Modern Band

The 98th annual Vermont All State Music Festival was held May 7 through 10 at Essex High School in Essex Junction. More than 400 students from across the state attended and performed with the orchestra, jazz ensemble, concert band, chorus, a cappella ensemble and modern band. The last two groups started in 2024, and they attract musicians interested in contemporary beats. They are also very popular: About 100 students auditioned for the modern band’s 15 spots. The students chose the music they’d be performing prior to arriving at the festival.

In the latest episode of “Stuck in Vermont,” Seven Days senior multimedia producer Eva Sollberger met the young members of Punch, the All State Modern Band, and filmed them at rehearsal. Then she followed them to nearby Summit Street School to watch them perform for an enthusiastic crowd of grade K-3 students. The next night, the teenage performers brought the house down at Essex High School as the packed audience cheered, danced and rocked out.

Filming dates: 5/8/25 & 5/9/25

This episode of “Stuck in Vermont” was supported by The Vermont Community Foundation.

This article appears in May 14-20, 2025.

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