Five middle school students successfully auditioned for spots in the Stanford Jazz Workshop Giant Steps All-Star Band. Students who were accepted are flutist Donna Boucher and double bassist Connie Xu, both grade 8, saxophonist Grant Miner, grade 7, and tenor saxophonist Paul Kratter and guitarist Arushi Saxena, both grade 6.

In addition, double bassist Anika Fuloria and trumpeter Leland Rossi, both grade 6, received recognition for their abilities on their respective instruments.

The band comprises 20 members, who were judged on such qualities as musicianship, improvisational ability, music theory knowledge and technique. Band members will rehearse once a week in preparation for a concert that will take place at Stanford University in December.