As the end of the school year approaches, so does the ending of many school activities. Jazz band has just finished their season off with one last performance – Red Hot Jazz. This was a bittersweet ending to the season for many of the jazz band members. With the seniors leaving, they are passing down the legacy of Jazz Band onto the juniors, like Emily Nelmida, who is sad to see the seniors go.

“Red Hot Jazz was fun as it always is, but a part of me was sad this year with the fact that my seniors are going to leave and us juniors will have to carry on the mantle and legacy for the underclassmen, which in a way is daunting but a tad exciting,” Nelmida said. “I just want to give to the newbies what the upperclassmen gave to us. I want to do the program justice, and show how amazing it is and the reason why I, and most others, love the program as well.”

During the year in jazz, students learn and grow, leading to their progression in the art. For Jazz Band Instructor Fernando Martinez this past has allowed him to see his students flourish in their instruments and their comprehension of their music.

“I’ve seen the growth of the students in understanding the music and the progress they have made as musicians through studying this music. It’s very demanding in skill on their instrument and their knowledge of musical concepts. So just seeing their growth throughout the [year has been my favorite part],” Martinez said.

Martinez is not the only one who has seen the growth in his students. Members of Jazz Band have had so many of their own advancements that it’s hard to miss them. Sometimes it’s the little things that mean the most in personal growth. Junior Isis Rivas found that being more self-assured was the most helpful aspect in progressing this season. 

“This year I have definitely grown in confidence compared to my first year playing jazz, as I was learning to play a new instrument,” Rivas said.

As for the performances themselves, the Jazz band has done an outstanding job. Showing off all their hard work from rehearsal on the stage. Martinez shows pride in how the band practices tirelessly and how their practice reflects in their instrument playing.

“If I compare their performances to the rehearsals, the performances are the pay off,” Martinez said. “I think every performance we’ve had has truly been awesome. Rehearsals are like pulling teeth sometimes. We’re never done no matter what level you’re at. You’re always nitpicking, trying to get to the next level, but I think every performance we’ve had was great. That’s because of all the work that gets done in the rehearsal room or individual practice rooms.” 

Not all students continue with Jazz Band every year, but the ones that do typically hold a special place in their heart for jazz. For Nelmida, returning next year isn’t even a question. 

“Of course I  will be returning]. I love jazz and just playing my instruments. They’re just such a great destresser for me,” Nelmida said. “Focusing on playing something and redirecting my energy to something that’s not harmful to myself or others is just another reason why I love playing music. Not only that, but also jamming out with my friends after rehearsal is the best part of the day for me, and I don’t want to throw that away. I love jamming out and just hanging out with my friends.”

Through good times and difficulties, the Jazz Band is now given time to reflect and share the funniest, saddest, and most interesting memories of the season. Hoping next year will be even better, the Jazz Band gets ready for a time of unwinding and relaxation before getting back to the music.

Red and Nervous: Mater Dei jazz band performing, Red Hot Jazz, as their last performance. For many jazz band members, performing can be frightening. For Rivas, even though she was nervous, she was very excited to perform. “Our last performance of the year was as nerve racking as it was amazing!” Rivas said. “I had my first solo this year and above all the performance was just positively memorable.” (Photo courtesy of jazz band).