Jazz students stand together outside Village Vanguard, the oldest operating jazz club in New York City. It was opened in 1935 in Greenwich Village and has hosted renowned jazz musicians.
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Studio Jazz Band and Jazz Band traveled to New York City Feb. 15 – Feb. 19. Students attended several concerts, participated in music workshops, performed alongside other schools and visited tourist attractions in the city.
Performing Arts Teacher Chris Sullivan said his students worked with educators and musicians like the Director of Jazz Studies at New York University (NYU) Dave Pietro and the Director of Jazz Studies at William Paterson University Dr. David Demsey.
Sullivan said he used his connections in New York to successfully lead a trip that would have a meaningful impact on students. Sullivan said he used his connections in New York to successfully lead a trip that would have a meaningful impact on students.
“I lived in [New York] when I was in my 20s and returned for graduate school from 2014 to 2016,” Sullivan said. “The relationships I formed during those years played a huge role in putting this together. Almost all of the musicians we saw and worked with were somehow related to William Paterson University, where I did my master’s in jazz performance. I wanted our students to see this music up close and personal, returning to [Los Angeles] with a greater love and appreciation for the art.”
Studio Jazz Band member Christine Chung ’26 said she enjoyed watching musicians and performers she admires.
“The most impactful part of the trip was definitely the opportunity to witness firsthand the musicians at Jazz House Kids in Montclair, New Jersey and additionally experiencing a performance at the historic Village Vanguard, one of the most iconic jazz venues,” Chung said. “I also loved watching Christian McBride, a virtuoso bassist and dynamic bandleader, command the stage with his fun and electrifying performance. [It] was not only inspiring but also a reminder of the rich legacy and ongoing evolution of jazz music.”
Jazz Band member Eric Vartany ’24 said visiting New York City, a hub for jazz musicians, allowed students to personally learn more about the music.
“Every day we went to incredible jazz performances at clubs such as the Village Vanguard and Dizzy’s. We even had a private performance at the National Jazz Museum in Harlem and saw Christian McBride’s Big Band,” Vartany said. “This exposed us to what jazz sounded like at the highest level to get us excited about diving deeper into [it].”
Chung said the trip’s various activities significantly supported her interest in jazz.
“This experience will undoubtedly shape my future with jazz by deepening my appreciation for the art form and strengthening my skills as a musician,” Chung said. “The exposure to more complex music and increased ensemble dynamics will serve as a solid foundation for my continued growth and development in jazz.”