Check out the sweet improvisation of jazz and the sophisticated art of classical music in the Palos Verdes Jazz and Orchestra concerts opening this month.
The Jazz concert will be on December 8th, and the Orchestra concert will be on December 15th. Both concerts will be located in the MPR and will start at 7pm.
Tickets will be $10 and profits will go towards the music department.
Musicians playing in the Jazz and Orchestra concerts have been preparing all year and are ready to show off their skills.
“We go over all the songs that we play together as well as combo songs that are played in special groups. I also practice a lot at home because one of my favorite hobbies is playing music and I gotta get those hours in,” said Braden Colli, a senior trumpet player in the PVHS Jazz Band.
“My favorite song is ‘It’s Been a Long Long Time,’ because that’s my solo song. It’s very old school, sounds like a ballad, has classic jazz, and it’s always stuck in my head. It’s great to finally have a chance to play it.”
In orchestra, musicians have their own methods for practicing in order to master the challenges that come with playing classical music.
“I practice at home on my own and I like to play the fast passages very slowly, and [gradually] speed them until I can play them well, so I can be accurate,” said Gia Bohorquez, a senior violinist in the PVHS Orchestra.
“I’m really looking forward to Sleigh Ride because I think it’s a staple for all youth orchestras to play around Christmas time, so i’m glad I get to be a part of that piece.”
This year, the Jazz Concert will showcase songs like ‘It’s Been a Long Long Time’ in the traditional jazz club setting, creating an atmospheric experience with dimmed lights and dining tables.
The Orchestra Concert, on the other hand, is performed in a concert hall fashion with musicians up on the stage.
Both concerts will showcase festive winter songs, and although they share similar themes, they add different styles, and will be unique experiences that are definitely worth attending.
“Our music department has always been a large source of community for me and we are all very passionate about making music. We are so excited to hop on our sleighs and ‘sleigh’ this performance,” Bohorquez said.