Downey High School’s Jazz Band is preparing for their Jazz Band competitions around the country. Their first competition begins Friday, January 26th in Folsom, California, and leads to the big LPAA Folsom Jazz Festival. I spoke to a few students about their preparation and expectations this season. I wanted to know how they train leading up to the competitions and some advice they would give to others. I watched and stood astonished as Combo A practiced after school.
Saxophone player Angel Cazachkoff, 11, is looking forward to attending the LPAA Folsom Jazz Festival in April for the second time as the jazz choir had won last year in 2023. “The best part of the competition is winning with the band and choir, because when we win, it feels super amazing, as it rewards our hard work.” States Cazachkoff. “And I want to make our director Mr. Olariu happy and make sure his amazing teaching is granted the admiration it deserves.”
