What inspired you to start a Jazz band at Sacred Heart Greenwich?

“Mainly, I wanted to share my love of jazz with everyone at Sacred Heart as well as provide an opportunity for other musicians to play together.  For years I have wanted to have a band to play in that is separate from the orchestra and the choirs and, as jazz is such a fun and diverse style of music, I thought it would be a great idea.”

How long have you been involved in playing music, and what does music mean to you?

“I have been playing music since I was about seven years old.  Music is, quite honestly, a part of me, especially jazz.  The first time I heard the sound of saxophones and trumpets on my grandmother’s stereo during Christmas time, I was in love.  There is just something about jazz, and music in general for me that just allows me to both separate myself from my worries, as well as enjoy connecting with everyone who is listening or playing with me.”

Is Jazz your favorite music genre?

“It is!  Honestly, I love jazz so much because it is so different than many other styles of music, yet similar enough that even someone who has never listened to it before will probably enjoy it.  I love “swing” that is inherent in every tune, which is just the rhythm that literally makes you want to get up and dance.  From a playing perspective, I love that jazz allows a musician to take tunes that have been played thousands of times, and just make it their own.  I also love the challenge of learning a new tune and then trying to play it hundreds of different ways.”

The King Street Chronicle thanks junior Malika Amoruso ’20 for her contributions to “Humans of Sacred Heart.”
Photo by Christine Guido, News Editor
– Compiled by Christine Guido, News Editor