“Jazz offers so much freedom in the way the music can be interpreted. It’s natural to me. It’s where I feel most free.”- Cyrille Aimee.
Students in the jazz band go to the BGJH band room every Wednesday from the 7th period to 3:30, so these kids can perform an amazing concert for their parents.
Joining and getting into the jazz band is very simple for students at BGJH. These are the 5 steps of getting into the jazz band 1. Learn how to play an instrument 2. Join the application for jazz band (passed out in band class) 3. Go to jazz band class (band room) 4. audition for jazz band ( for what chair you get) 5. You got into a jazz band. 7th grader Angeles Rodriguez confirmed, “For this year they just had to submit an audition… we had to play two pieces.” Most people didn’t audition because they didn’t think they would get in but everyone who sent an audition got in.
Students at BGJHS enjoy and have fun in the jazz band. Sometimes, a jazz band is a way to spend more time playing your instrument and learning different music genres. Or it’s a time to talk and have fun with friends while being in a band. 8th grader Karen Favela confirmed, “I like jazz bands because it’s fun. I also have a solo, and Mrs. Shores is pretty cool.” Serenity Smith stated, “I like jazz band because it’s goofy.” Jazz bands can entertain and amuse students because of the jokes and friends.
A jazz band is different from a concert band because of the way they play the notes and the limited instruments. Jazz bands use symbols to understand how to interpret and play the rhythms. The instruments that are in jazz band are piano, trombone, trumpet, saxophone, bass guitar, electric guitar, drums, tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone, etc. 8th grader Serenity Smith affirmed, ”The way we play the music is just different from concert band… The instruments are kind of different, and in jazz band, you swing the eighth notes, while in concert band you don’t.” Not all concert band instruments are in jazz bands. Sometimes people switch their instruments to get in.
“I like jazz band because it’s like an extra band class, but we are learning how to play a new way of music.” -Serenity Smith
