High school musicians shine at Starbucks 28th Hot Java Cool Jazz
Starbucks 28th Hot Java Cool Jazz brought together some of the Seattle area’s top jazz musicians for a sold-out performance at the historic Paramount Theatre.
High school jazz band often means getting up early – arriving at school for rehearsal in the pre-dawn hours with a backpack on one shoulder, instrument on the other. And then there’s the hours and hours of practice.
“When I was in middle school, I remember carrying a heavy instrument to school and the [other kids] were like, ‘You could just practice on weekends, don’t worry about it,’” said Sky, who plays saxophone for Roosevelt High School. “But to find a community that was very dedicated to their craft and that shared my dreams and ambitions – I feel like band was one of the first activities where I felt included and that I could contribute to and that I had fun in.”
Music has a way of connecting people.
On March 28, Starbucks Hot Java Cool Jazz brought together some of the Seattle area’s top musicians for a sold-out performance for nearly 3,000 people under the bright lights of the historic Paramount Theatre. The event featured jazz bands from Garfield High School, Bothell High School, Mountlake Terrace High School, Roosevelt High School and Mount Si High School, with many playing songs to honor legendary artist and Garfield alum Quincy Jones.
Over the event’s 28 years, Hot Java Cool Jazz has raised more than $1.3 million to Washington high school music programs to support young musicians and their passion for music.
Kaylee from Mountlake Terrace plays on the same trumpet that both her father and great-uncle used to play on. While it wasn’t always easy, she says jazz helped her find her way through the highs and lows of high school.
“Even on down days, it’s still so nice to be able to go to band, even if it’s for 50 minutes, and then just play out all these songs,” Kaylee said. “Even if it’s not the best I’ve played it, even if it’s not the best everyone else has played it, there’s never a dull day there.”
Photos by Liv Lyons and videos by Red Element Studios
