Jazz Band

This year, after playing the piano for several years, I decided that I wanted the opportunity to be able to perform and to actually display the skills that I have accumulated. I believe that Jazz Band gives me some of the best opportunities to be able to do this, because not only can I perform, but I can also interact with other students who share my passion for music. The Jazz band at school meets twice a week, and we practice various pieces. Since there are three piano players in the band, I only get to perform 1/3 of the songs, but I still have the opportunity to practice as many of them as I would like. Of course, a lot of practice needs to be put in outside of the meeting dates, and I therefore practice the pieces by myself everyday.

Jazz Band's first performance was at the ISK PTO Picnic. At this venue, I played the songs, "Funkytown" and "Burritos to Go". This was the first time that I had ever performed in front of an audience, and I was therefore extremely nervous and excited at the same time. I had a lot of fun playing, and I got really good feedback after the performance. While playing, I noticed some things that I wanted to improve for the next performance, and I therefore spent the majority of my practice time fixing those issues.

The second performance was at the UN Track Gala. At this venue, I played the same two songs. This performance was much better for me, mostly because I was not as nervous as the first time and because I had had much more time to practice and perfect my playing. Since I was not as nervous, I also enjoyed the performance more, and I noticed that the audience was enjoying it as well.

Performing at the UN Gala

I have been practicing several new pieces with the band, and we will be performing at various venues in the upcoming months!