Two local jazz bands snared honors at the recent 30th annual Bellevue High Jazz Festival.

Bothell High jazz band I, directed by Phil Dean, won third place in the high-school AAAA division and Bothell High jazz band II, directed by Matt Simmons, won second place in the Outstanding Jazz II or III bands division.

Nearly 50 middle-school, junior-high and high-school jazz bands from throughout the Northwest participated in the competition May 4-5.

“Thirty years ago, renowned drummer Buddy Rich agreed to play at Bellevue High School for $5,000, so this jazz festival was started as a way to cover his expense and for students to compete, learn and listen to professional musicians,” Edd George, Bellevue High School director of bands, told those attending. “We’re proud to have had this event continue annually and evolve into one of the largest school jazz festivals. We appreciate the involvement of the students, their families, the schools and the community to ensure jazz continues to thrive as an educational experience.”