Soulful Sounds of Jazz Flourish at Palo Alto

One might say the jazz band invokes the dance spirits at every performance. “Everything comes alive when they play,” said Lisa Tovar, a sophomore Business major and fan of Palo Alto's Jazz Band. She thinks jazz is perfect for dancing the night away.

“I was surprised at how good they sound. I just wish I'd see more fliers to promote them,” said Sylvia Sorola, a sophomore Criminal Justice major at Palo Alto.

In concert, they play the most difficult pieces with tremendous ease. Their talent creates a sonic flood that swallows you whole. Most in the jazz band have been playing since at least high school and it shows in their performance. The band credits instructor Armin Marmolejo for their amazing progress over the last three years.

Before he came to Palo Alto, Marmolejo lived the Big Band life playing for such well-known recording artists as Ray Charles and Frank Sinatra. He also recorded his own compact disc titled, “Boarding Pass,” which is available worldwide, including Europe and Japan.

He started the jazz band as an adjunct professor here at Palo Alto in 1992. “At first we had one clarinet, two saxophones, two trombones, very hodge-podge...”

Terence Bush, a sophomore Music major, has been playing his trumpet in the jazz band since it started. “Since Marmolejo got here, it's gotten better,” said Bush. He loves playing in the jazz band and he wants people to understand that it takes a lot of hard work to perform. The jazz band makes it look easy, but it's not. It's hard work and Marmolejo is there to encourage them to take the challenge.

“Marmolejo's real patient,” said Jeremy Valadez, another sophomore Music major who plays the alto saxophone for the jazz band. “ He'll go out of his way to help you.” Valadez admits the music they play is difficult, but it also helps them progress as musicians. His talent earned him First Chair Alto Saxophone in the All-State Junior College All-Star Jazz Band. This means Valadez was the best junior college saxophone player in the state of Texas.

Another jazz band member recognized for his prodigious musical talent is sophomore Music major Donald O'Dell. He merited First Chair Trombone in the All-State Junior College All-Star Jazz Band. He thinks the close relationship the band enjoys has contributed to their exceptional progress.

“It's hard to play with people you don't know,” said O'Dell.

Jesse Jurado, a freshman Music and Business Management major, agreed. “Everybody as a team makes it happen,” he said. Jurado plays the drums along with Thomas Jimenez, a freshman Computer Information Systems major. “As the drummer, I feel it's my duty to keep the energy up in the band,” said Jimenez. He explained that being the drummer means you're the engine that keeps the band going.

The jazz band is even closer since their performances this fall in Saltillo, Mexico, as guests of La Universidad Technologica de Coahuila. They played two concerts in front of thousands during their stay in Saltillo.

“It was a long 9-hour bus ride,” said O'Dell, “but, I didn't want to leave.” Aside from the stronger bonds made, the jazz band enjoyed other aspects of the experience. “The food was great!” said Ruben Rodriguez, a sophomore Music major. Rodriguez, an electric bass player for the band also made First Chair in the All-State Junior College All-Star Jazz Band. Others described the event more like “Fiesta” in downtown San Antonio.

“I hope that it continues to grow and that we are able to attract students that are really interested in performing,” said Marmolejo.

The Palo Alto College Jazz Band will perform on Wednesday, Dec. 1, from noon until 1 p.m. in the Student Center. They will also host their Fall Concert on Thursday, Dec. 2, from 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in Performing Arts Building, Rm. 100A. Both concerts are free and open to the public. Additionally, the jazz band will play at several area high schools to recruit new members. For more information, contact Marmolejo at 921-5324.