Del Val’s Golden Blues Jazz Band is kicking off the season with new band members and new swings.
This year, Golden Blues will perform “Mira, Mira” by Matt Harris, “Big Dipper” by Thad Jones and “Distant Ridges” by Kris Berg. “Mira, Mira,” a band favorite, will be soloed by Charlotte Lilly and Pierre Milcar; getting the spotlight during the song “Big Dipper” will be trombonist Levi Buczkowski; and Jack Kiseli will be playing his own part during “Distant Ridges”.
Director Thomas Hayden enjoys seeing the kids get back into the swings and jazz of the band. He is also excited when he sees his students enjoying the band and having fun.
“When you get good enough to play something, playing that thing is rewarding,” Hayden said. “And that’s what I find [enjoyable] in the jazz band. The most enjoyable thing is when they get through the charts and they sound really good and they’re really proud of themselves.”
Hayden has been directing the band for eight years and has taught many students, including senior member Leanor Casorla. Casorla has been in the band for four years, playing tenor saxophone. She enjoys her time in the band and has made many memories.
“My best memory would be going to the state finals… so far, all three years— hopefully four,” Casorla said.
Golden Blues appears in competitions across New Jersey and Pennsylvania, showing off their talents and grooves. The band competes in events like Steel Stacks on Feb 22 and NJAJE on March 3. They will also perform at the District Arts Festival, Moonglowers Festival, J.P. Steven’s Festival, ATS Jazz Cafe and the Spring Concert.
Dilan Nataraj, a sophomore playing in the jazz band for the first time, is ecstatic to go back to performing at competitions.
“I am excited,” Nataraj said. “I wanna go. I miss playing at competitions.”
The band has only had eight rehearsals thus far, but Hayden has already seen improvement throughout the ensemble.
“I define a successful season on did the students enjoy themselves and did they make significant improvements,” Hayden said. “So far, both of those things are already coming true.”
As Golden Blues continues to rehearse and challenge themselves to new heights, they will be sure to impress their audience.
