“I became involved in band when I was in middle school,” said the Fort Dodge Senior High senior. “I was mostly inspired by my dad, because he played his drums around me my whole adolescence, and I love music so much.

“I became involved in theater my sophomore year when my two best friends Aurora Johnson, and Remy Smith introduced me to doing backstage costuming for the fall play and spring musical.”

Jones is part of the Fort Dodge All-American Marching Band as well as concert band and jazz band.

In the bands she performs in, she plays the tuba/sousaphone, trombone, and bass trombone.

In marching band, Jones loves being around all of her peers.

“Band is like family, especially in marching band, we have to make sure we are all on the same page,” Jones said. “Band is honestly my favorite community to be in, and it takes so much focus.

“I encourage everyone to try it if they’d like too.”

The Dodger band had a strong season, putting forth one of their best in recent memories.

“This year our band was undefeated, and it felt amazing, especially since I had a duet with Parker Gale in our performance,” Jones said. “It’s so rewarding to hear them call out a Division I, especially when you put so much time, effort, and dedication into a show like all of us have.

“I am also in Jazz 1 playing bass trombone.”

The Dodger marching band also went to the Liberty Bowl in Memphis, Tennessee, this past season.

“Our band director, Al Paulson, is honestly one of the best directors I’ve ever had,” Jones said. “He gets to know each student individually and has so much faith in us all. I appreciate all that he has done for me and my peers in our band.

“My favorite part of being in band is getting to perform pieces. Performing in my opinion is so refreshing, and it always puts a smile on my face.”

Jones is also a part of the musicals, working backstage.

“I was not particularly in the musical, but I was backstage, which is more work than just going to the rehearsals in my opinion,” Jones said. “I am the costume chief, and I spend many hours finding clothing for the actors to wear for the performances.”

Jones loves the opportunity to be a Dodger and stay busy.

“Fort Dodge is a very community-based town,” Jones said. “Being a Dodger really brings everyone together. We all support each other, and cheer each other on.

“I believe that it is very important to be involved. It is very fun to make new friends, and to make many memories with them.”

In her senior season, there will be some new things and some things that will be hard to get over.

“Being a senior, I’m really going to miss everything about my extracurricular activities and my directors,” Jones said. “I’m looking forward to going to college to become an art teacher. I’m very talented in the artistic and musical fields.”

Jones has a handful of people that have helped guide her through her high school career.

“My biggest influences are my parents, Heather Spitler, and Matthew Jones,” Jones said. “I thank them for everything they have done for me over my 17 years of life.

“I have also really looked up to Owen Hamlow. He has helped me better my abilities on the trombone for jazz band, and I really appreciate all of his help.”