By Sean Yoo

On March 8, the Granada Hills Charter (GHC) jazz band performed at the Riffin’ in Reseda Jazz Festival at Cleveland High School. They received a superior rating beating their rival El Camino High School who received an excellent rating. 

Their competition was filled with many interesting events. They were able to see other schools perform along with performances from special groups. One of these groups was the Dan Taguchi Thursday Night Cand, who were made up of a good number of the San Fernando Valley jazz band directors.

The GHC jazz band, under the direction of VAPA teacher Todd Simon,  is special in the fact that they have one big band along with three different combos. The combos are split into three with the A combo being the most experienced and skilled. The combos are decided by auditions and each combo has one bass, one drum, one instrument for chords such as a guitar or piano, and horns. 

In their recent competition, the big band performed many pieces. They started with an excerpt from “Slowe’s Comb” by the Digable Planets as an intro, then moved on to pieces like “Back on the Track,” “Boplicity,” “Blues for Pablo,” and “Sabor de Cuba” by various artists. These songs were a mix of blues, Latin, swing, and funk music. 

“The music itself isn’t too difficult to play, but the real challenge lies in matching the dynamics with the group,” freshman and saxophone player Chris Fink said. “When I practice alone, I can play it well, but keeping track of our place in the music during group rehearsals can be tricky. However, with more practice together, it becomes easier and more enjoyable to play.” 

Their success went beyond just this one competition. When they took part in the 51st Annual Western States Jazz Festival at Upland High School, they placed second in the advanced division. This competition was for the top high school jazz bands in Southern California. 

In order to reach these levels of success with such difficult music, the jazz band practices daily during their class period. The members are also expected to practice their parts on their own at home. 

A common rehearsal begins with scales and long tones in order for members to warm up. They then move into the pieces, practicing to make sure the parts fit together and flow well. 

As the band continues to practice together, their bond among themselves also grows. As the band is filled with students of similar passion in music, it tends to draw them together. This allows for friendships outside of the band. 

“Being around these people who have similar passions as me have made it very easy to make relationships.” junior and bassist Aryan Patel Said. “Spending time with these guys every day, you naturally build friendships with them” 

The band is also welcoming to all. In some programs, it could be hard for freshmen to feel at home. However, with the jazz band, these freshmen are welcomed.

The jazz band hopes to repeat their success in their upcoming festival on April 11 at the Walter Reed Jazz Festival. They are also hosting a spring concert on April 29 at Highlander Hall.