On Monday, March 24, the Archie Williams Music Department hosted a jazz combo performance at 7 p.m. in the Archie Williams Little Theater. The event featured three separate combinations of students, each with their own style. The first band consisted of mostly freshmen, the second was a mix, and the third was primarily upperclassmen.

The Jazz Band class originally consisted of a single band, but due to an abundance of drummers, keyboardists, and guitarists, music director Mario Aparicio divided the class into three combinations. This is the class’s second performance in the new environment. 

The first combination began with “Song for my Father” by Horace Silver and included solos from freshman trumpeter Calvin Jackman and freshman keyboardist Issac Kiptum. After a rendition of “Philly Mambo” by Tito Puente, their performance ended with “A Night In Tunisia” by Dizzy Gillespie. Freshman bassist Gabe Porter supported the band, playing a strong bass groove throughout the tune.

The first combination’s drummers, freshmen Everett Connell and Julian Silver, were confident and competent. While they may have been overenthusiastic at parts, the pair let their technical skills shine, only adding to the emotion of the performance.

After a brief intermission as different musicians shuffled on and off stage, the second combination began. They opened with “Red Clay” by Freddie Hubbard, and junior drummer Charlie Fee’s rhythm particularly held the whole band together. Next, the band performed “Stella by Starlight” by Victor Young, which sophomore vocalist Petra Betti beautifully sang. Freshman Xander Santucci on keys, and sophomore Jay Pikkarainen-Klein on alto saxophone also performed cohesive solos.

Junior vocalist Hanna Janson later joined Petra to cover “One Less Bell to Answer,” arranged by Barbra Streisand. Mixed with Petra’s, her voice provided cohesive backing and breathtaking melodies. Junior Emily Alonzo on trombone held the band together, adding greatly to their rendition of “Take Five” by Paul Desmond. 

The band finished off with an emotional interpretation of “Don’t You Worry ‘Bout A Thing” by Stevie Wonder. Petra’s powerful vocals captivated bandmates and audience members alike. 

Finally, the third combination took the stage. Many of the more experienced musicians, such as seniors Roy Quaas on alto sax and Zeke Cunningham on drums, performed alongside some newer members, including sophomore vocalist Lilly Zucker and sophomore drummer Alex Casey. 

The students’ solos were especially noteworthy, and senior guitarist Elijah Galland provided both a solid background and cohesive solos. Roy especially enjoys these solo moments. 

“My favorite point, at any concert, is when the spotlight is just on me, and the rhythm section is playing accompaniment, and I get to play solo on a piece. That moment [is] magic; it’s just you and the music,” Roy said.

The combo started with “Nutville” by Horace Silver, where Alex showed off his skills on the drums. They followed with “Gypsy Woman” by Joe Bataan, where both Hanna and Lilly got their time in the spotlight, with senior Kalliope Parish’s backing vocals accompanying them.

The band then moved on to “All the Things You Are” by Jerome Kern, where freshman Gus Ziegler on keys and senior Elijah Galland on guitar showed off their skills in their solos and in maintaining rhythmic integrity. The band then played “Palladium” by Weather Report, and senior guitarist Elliott Garneau and Roy played perfectly, offering rich solos that enticed the crowd. 

The band then ended it off with a cover of “No More Blues” by Antonio Carlos Jobim; each member was allowed to shine during this tune, showing off not only their individual talent but teamwork as well.

Audience member and Kalliope’s mother, Sarah Parish, particularly enjoyed the performance.                                                                                                                                                 

“[The performance] was all really good…The range of music showcased was really impressive,” Parish said.

Aparicio, who instructs the students in mastering their instruments both individually and in a group setting, has high hopes for the future. 

“Moving forward, [I think we’re going to] get better and better; that’s how we do it at Archie Williams,” Aparicio said.

The department is looking forward to future concerts and has ambitious plans for the future. Performance Workshop will perform Wednesday, March 26, through Friday, March 28, in the Little Theater at 7 p.m., and the Jazz Band will perform at the College of San Mateo in the Music in the Parks competition Saturday, March 29.