Jazz Band is Going Places

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Sam Campos ’24, pianist, Daniel DaRocha ’24, bass, and John Queiroz ’24, alto saxophone, were a threesome in search of a fourth. It was 2022 and the Jazz Band program was in rebuilding mode, due to the lingering effects of COVID-19 and the graduation of senior musicians. When then freshman, Kaleb Hassell ’25, joined the trio for afterschool band practice, Director of Music Jeremy Fletcher, D.M.A. called out, “Hey, we’ve got our drummer!” and a new chapter of Jazz Band history was born. 

By the following fall, the foursome had grown to a 12-member jazz ensemble. Members of the Jazz Band class recorded a studio session at WBGO in Newark that later aired for Jazz Appreciation Month in April. The comeback continued and an even larger 19-member Jazz Band dazzled audience members at the 2023 Christmas Concert.

That holiday performance was years in the making. Unlike the drumline program that welcomes beginners, Jazz Band requires a certain level of experience. “It’s difficult to start a student from scratch in high school,” Dr. Fletcher explained. Instead, the Director of Music established a feeder system that begins with instrumental lessons in the Elementary Division. The pipeline is yielding results. A UDI in the brass section, for instance, began trumpet lessons with Dr. Fletcher in fifth grade. Doc Fletcher, as he is known to students, has also fostered some great Middle Division talent, pointing to three players in the saxophone section who began lessons in seventh grade.

‘The Music is So Fantastic and So Good’

Instrumental music would not be on this upward trajectory without the help of Garry Dial ’72, a renowned jazz pianist, and School Trustee William “Terry” Doan. Both men have committed time and resources to instrumental music with a singular goal in mind: build a nationally recognized jazz program as successful and well known at Gray Bee Athletics.

The aspiration may be some years away, but within The Hive, Jazz Band has certainly garnered greater attention. “It feels A-MAZ-ING,” said Kaleb. “The music is simply so fantastic and so good. We’re at a level now playing where the exposure we’re receiving matches the experience. We’re tremendously grateful for it.” Doc Fletcher is also finding ways to extend performing opportunities.

Jazz Band jam sessions held on a semi-regular basis in the early evenings, started last fall. The venue (the Board Room is transformed into a jazz café) is strategic as it draws students, faculty and others on the way out the front entrance. The vibe: informal and fun. Jam sessions have also fostered collaboration between musical groups with Gray Bee Choir members stepping up to the mic to scat and sing.

Music has a way of bringing Gray Bees together observed Sam Campos, the pianist. “Guys from two years ago have come back to play and have a great time,” he noted. “We’ve made these connections through a love of music that go beyond the School.”

Kaleb and Sam both feel an inherent responsibility to mentor the next wave of musicians who will fuel Jazz Band’s continued growth. No surprise there since the musicians are also Group Leaders, Sam leads Fr. Casimir; Kaleb is in charge of Prof. Blood. “I want the guys behind me to pick up the mantle,” said Kaleb. “Someone set the foundation for me. I’m grateful to set the foundation for the jazz members behind me.”

“So much leadership goes into this,” Sam pointed out. Older players are the go-to resource for younger players whether it’s demonstrating the difference in pitch between two notes or how to adapt an arrangement for bass or saxophone.  When Admissions held its accepted student event in January, Jazz Band was asked to perform, but Dr. Fletcher couldn’t be there. “The kids handled everything, and it was great,” the Director of Music recalled. “And isn’t that what the profession of teaching is all about? Trying to make yourself irrelevant?”

‘There would be nothing without Doc Fletcher’

While kids are assuming a greater role in advancing the instrumental music program, they clearly value being taught and mentored by dedicated teaching artists. Gray Bees notice the 2:00 a.m. time stamps on emails with new arrangements and sheet music. They appreciate the push to get better at reading music, see where the drum solo goes or take over the piano playing and singing at Convo.

“There would be nothing without Doc Fletcher. He puts in so much work,” said Sam. “His puns are horrible, but his experience and level of education is a blessing.”

Every Gray Bee has a memory of a small story that speaks volumes about a teacher’s character and influence on their lives. Here is Sam’s: Back in sophomore year, when Jazz Band was beginning its comeback, singer/songwriter Charlie Puth was all over TikTok. Word got out that Doc Fletcher once taught the pop star. Sam and other musicians raced to find their teacher. “Is it true?” “Oh yeah, he was my student once,” Dr. Fletcher responded nonchalantly and left it at that.

“He’s just extremely humble,” Sam recounted the story with a laugh. “It’s great to be around a guy like that.”