For the fans of Frank Sinatra, lovers of Louis Armstrong, and jazz enjoyers in general, the Sahuaro band program is starting a jazz ensemble!
The first meeting was held on April 8th after school, and it was a short interest meeting to go over logistics and get a feel for the group of people. Most rehearsals and sessions will occur in the morning before and occasionally after school. Students can talk to Mr. Guzman in the band and orchestra room at any time if they’re interested in joining, and all students are welcome.
The Sahuaro band program has had a busy year, and when one season ends, another starts. The winter drumline finished its season on April 5th, and the interest meeting was held on April 8th. Keeping the program busy and adding different ensembles is all a part of Mr. Guzman’s plan to “…treat it like it already is a big program.”
This jazz club was started to “…have different musical oppurtunites.” Over the summer, the students strongly expressed wanting to try everything and have all types of bands available at Sahuaro, so Mr. Guzman is listening to the kids and doing just that. He will challenge the band with new music and prepare them for the next concert on May 15th. They will play around 3 or 4 pieces, depending on the size of the group and the instrumentation, but he’s looking to play Feeling Good, Manteca, Fly Me to the Moon, amongst others.
Mr. Guzman does not come from a typical jazz setting, but he played jazz piano in combos, which is a small group of around 5-6 people who take turns playing with the melody, different chords, and having solos.
Part of learning jazz involves all of the stories and musical history. He said, “So much of popular music culture has been influenced by jazz, so there’s little stories that you learn along the way.” This class will be more than just learning music, and Mr. Guzman will happily go on tangents about jazz culture and music.
The morning after the meeting, the band room was filled with a cacophony of notes and instrument cases strewn around the room as students tried out new and familiar instruments. Sophomore Annabelle Rivette plays the flute and recently played the marimba for winter drumline, but she’s learning the baritone saxophone for jazz band. Annabelle’s reasons for learning the saxophone are because she “…already had the reeds, and I don’t want to march the piccolo in the Pride of Arizona.” She always thought it would be fun to play some sort of saxophone, and because the Pride of Arizona doesn’t have flutes in their marching band. “I’m quite excited. I think it’s going to take a little bit of work, especially with this,” she said as she pointed to her saxophone. Annabelle loves the 1920s and music from that era, so she’s excited to get into more jazz.
The new jazz club will be an exciting ensemble to watch at the upcoming final band and orchestra concert on May 15th. Come out and watch this group groove!
