Jazz Band

by Tarun C. '26

The Berkeley Jazz Ensemble is a group of 32 students with Mr. Panetta as their conductor. It was first formed in 2014 by three kids in the Upper Division Band, who convinced four other students to join. At the time, they had no official name; they just met to play jazz. In 2015, more kids began joining the band, so the jazz band began including some eighth-grade band students. Eventually, in 2018, the band finally got officially named “The Berkeley Jazz Ensemble”. The purpose of this band (besides playing music) was to be a group that would play more challenging pieces that were harder than the ones in band class. 

Mr. Panetta is always searching for new music, mainly looking out for parts the Jazz Ensemble will enjoy.  He tries to include a variety of genres, such as funk, pop, and swing. He also includes jazz standards, classic pieces of jazz music that all jazz musicians should be exposed to, like “Fly Me to the Moon (In Other Words)” by Bart Howard.  According to Mr. P, “Although I like all of them, funk is my favorite genre. The main reason was that I played baritone saxophone for my jazz band, and with funk, the bari sax gets fun parts.” The band also takes suggestions from others.

In addition to the Upper Division Jazz Band, there is a Middle Division Jazz Band that was started again this year. It had been going on and off for the past few years, but this is the first year that people actually came regularly.  Expansion of the program and providing opportunities for student leadership are two of Mr. P’s goals for the jazz band. He also plans to have two main jazz bands since the program has expanded a lot. There are also future plans to be able to travel to numerous jazz festivals in places like New Orleans, New York,  and Virginia Beach. Out of the 32 people in the Upper Division Jazz Band, there are eight  Middle Division students: Gavin, Rowan, Tarun, Jimmy, Wilson, Aadi, Leo, and Nathan. Hopefully, they will continue to play for the jazz ensemble in the Upper Division.