On Monday, May 19, the Archie Williams Music Department hosted a jazz combo performance at 7 p.m. at Studio Fourth Street in San Rafael, a space provided by Archie Williams English teacher Cathy Sarkisian. The students performed in three predetermined cohorts.
Archie Williams music teacher Mario Aparicio decided to divide the class into their cohorts earlier in the year, which has since proved to be effective. Giving students community-minded groups allowed them to develop musical chemistry with each other.
The first combo, mostly consisting of underclassmen, kicked off the performance with “Stolen Moments” by Oliver Nelson, which included a trumpet solo from freshman Calvin Jackman, and freshman Issac Kiptum on the keys. They then moved on to a rendition of “You Are The Sunshine Of My Life” by Stevie Wonder. Freshman Everett Connell performed a solo on the drums, complemented by freshman Gabe Porter on bass.
The performance was in full attendance, to the point of no chairs left to sit in remaining. White Hill Middle School Jazz Band teacher Malik Wade was amongst the many in the crowd. Wade, who previously taught many of the students who performed, remarked on their growth as musicians.
“One thing I appreciate is the growth of my former students over the years, and the fact that there’s a little bit of music instilled in each and every one of them,” Wade said.
Sophomore Lily Zucker did not make an appearance, as her flight returning from New York City was cancelled. Senior Kalliope Parish had to fill in on vocals during “Dream A Little Dream Of Me” by Wilbur Schwandt, bringing the band together. Then they broke out into “Watermelon Man” by Herbie Hancock. Junior Emily Alonzo soloed on trombone during this song, along with junior Eli Chao on keys, and sophomore Quinn Menke-French on guitar, ending the first combo.
The students had worked hard to reach this level of performance, and Aparicio especially appreciated the steps they had to take to get up on the stage and perform for their peers and parents.
“I think performing is a great way to feel rewarded in life, since it shows all the hard work you put in to get to that point of excellence,” Aparicio said.
The second combo began with “Phase Dance,” by Pat Metheny. Senior Elliot Garneau soloed on the guitar while sophomore Zane Schuman brought up the bottom end of the band with his bass performance. The band then moved on to “Molten Soul” by Joshua Redman, and junior Charlie Fee soloed on the drums. The combo then moved onto “Radar” by Jonathan Barber, which freshman Xander Santucci arranged.
The band then played “Did I Remember” by Walter Donaldson and finished with a performance of “In the Stone.” During the performance, junior Ryan Cunningham on trombone and sophomore Jay Pikkarainen-Klein on alto sax soloed together, playing off of each other.
Following the performance, Xander appreciated the environment that the jazz band creates, both in and out of school.
“I love the environment. Everyone knows each other and is friends with each other, and I especially enjoyed what we did this year, splitting up into combos, because it allowed us to really do what we individually wanted, to pick our own songs and create our own performance,” Xander said.
Finally, after an emotional, touching speech about the music community from Aparicio, the third combo commenced. They began with “Bright Size Life” by Pat Metheny and a solo by senior Roy Quaas on alto saxophone. They then performed “The Dry Cleaner From Des Moines” by Joni Mitchell, with vocals from sophomore Petra Betti as well as a solo on keys from freshman Gus Ziegler.
Afterward, the combo played “Some Day My Prince Will Come” by Frank Churchill, sung by junior Hanna Janson. Then, all of the members of the third combo exited the stage except for senior Noah Casey on bass guitar, sophomore Alex Casey on drums, and senior Elijah Galland on guitar.
The trio performed “Passion Dance” and wowed the crowd with their proficiency. Senior Zeke Cunningham came out to play drums for the last song, “Take the A Train” by Billy Strayhorn, ending the performance with a soulful, slow, and emotional song, perfectly suited for the seniors who are headed off to college.
While there are no more jazz performances this year, the Archie Williams Music Department is excited for next year and the prospect of gaining new freshmen to add to their performances and community.
