By Aiden Lupian
On Thursday, February 16th the 8th graders from the VUSD middle schools came to visit Redwood for the annual 8th grade visit. Many performing groups are out in the Mineral King Bowl performing for the 8th graders as they walk in, groups such as Dance Force, cheer, drama, and band were out performing.
The Jazz Band members were especially pleased with how their performance went.
Drumset player Christopher DeBrie, ‘24, says, “I think the performance went pretty well… we were able to play through all of the tunes pretty easily and I think everyone enjoyed it.”
DeBrie isn’t the only one who thinks the band did really well, Keoni Estevez Morales, ‘24, who plays the Tenor Saxophone says, “I would say that the crowd was really lively and fun. Solos were good and it definitely felt like the entire ensemble were purely enjoying the moment.”
Many tunes were played at the visit, when asked about it DeBrie says, “Some tunes we played were Runaway Baby, Treasure, Go Daddy-o, and 25 or 6 to 4.”
The performers wanted to make a lasting impression on the incoming freshman and make sure that the 8th graders left wanting more than ever to be involved in Redwood Music.
Estevez Morales says, “One thing I want the incoming freshman to know is that Jazz Band is the perfect way to begin expressing yourself openly with little restraint.”
DeBrie adds on by saying, “Jazz bands are definitely not for people who don’t think highly of music.”
Bass Trombone player and All-State band member, Jaden Bullock ‘23, says, “ I want the freshman to know that everyone around you wants you to succeed. No one is here to judge you, we all want you to be the best that you can be.”
Aiden Lupian
Aiden Lupian (´25) is a second year writer for the Gigantea who loves to tell a good arts story and really looks forward to all the stories he can write, and people to connect with
Tags: arts & entertainment, arts and entertainment, band, band awards, band review, entertainment, jazzband, redwood band