By: Andy See & Mallory Byl
On April 2nd, auditions for Honors Jazz Band were held. Every year these auditions are held to bring together the best jazz band musicians and make some really good music. And this year students from the Redwood Jazz Band were able to make their spots and had the great opportunity to do what they love with so many other students.
James Pierce ‘24, who plays drum set, describes how the auditions went. He says, “We first had time to warm up then we split off between horns and rhythm section. We got into the room and all took turns playing the audition music.”
Pierce says, “I went in feeling confident and sure of myself. I did exactly how I wanted to.” Pierce was able to snag the 1st chair in the percussion section. Pierce says, “I feel that I did exceptionally well, and I expected to get the lead.”
He also says, “I felt appreciated and acknowledged.” He also compliments this year’s jazz director, Curtis Gaesser. Gaesser taught at Folsom High School, which Pierce says, “has one of the best music programs in the country.” Pierce says, “I’m super hyped and excited to work with him.” As for an upcoming performance, Pierce also says, “My favorite piece is called Kid A, based off the Radiohead song.”
Keoni Estevez-Morales ‘24 who plays the saxophone, cherishes his last year being part of the Honors Jazz Band community and class at Redwood highschool, but his love and heart will always truly belong to music. He’s ready to bring everything he’s got on the stage for his final year.
Keoni says, “I felt…I always feel nervous but I felt really excited especially since it is my senior year…it’s one more chance at being able to really show my value as a musician.”
The time and dedication he has put into Jazz Band, from perfecting and honing his skills for years, shows his love and appreciation for the fine arts. He will take every opportunity he gets to do his best, and showcase everything he has learned from his years in Jazz Band.
Keoni is grateful and proud to be the few chosen for the first chair. Chosen to be first chair says a lot about Keoni’s hard work and his true passion for music. Keoni says, “I feel really honored, and I feel really privileged and humbled that I get to play alongside other musicians, and that they chose me to be a lead.”
Being chosen as a lead is like a double edged sword, it is either a blessing or a curse to a performer. There is this pressure that comes with being held at a certain standard and having to perform it in front of an audience.
Instead of seeing it as something to be afraid of, he sees this opportunity as a way for him to show the audience what he’s about. Keoni says, “So I feel like it’s a little more shine and opportunity for you to really show yourself as independent.”
Keoni is eager to perform for the audience. He hopes to make everyone proud, but most importantly himself.
Andy See
Mallory Byl
Mallory Byl '25. Journalism 2. Arts & Entertainment.
Tags: band, Honor band, Honor Jazz, jazz band, redwood gigantea, redwood high school, redwood journalism, rhs, visalia ca
