In the heart of Pleasanton, the firehouse doors swung open on April 21 to welcome visitors to an evening of captivating jazz melodies. Amador Valley Jazz performers alongside multiple other musicians inside the East Bay Jazz Band came together to give a splendid performance to the local community.
“I had set high expectations for myself going into East Bay Jazz. It was a great event for me personally and I think I can learn from it going forward, but I definitely enjoyed it,” said East Bay Jazz Performer Tyler On (‘26).
Performance
The East Bay Jazz band is led by founder and director Spencer Sussman, whose own expertise as a tenor and bass trombonist, composer, and educator has shaped the program’s success. From the first note to the last, their performance resonated with the audience, drawing them into a world of rhythm and harmony.
“I didn’t know much about what I was going to see, but the performance was really nice to listen to. They probably worked a lot for this event, and it was great to see such a nice coordination of musical pieces,” said Audience Member Rahul Agnihotri.
Rehearsals
Beyond the stage, the mission of East Bay Jazz shone brightly, showcasing the power of music . Through weekly rehearsals and regular performances, students refined their musical skills and cultivated a deep appreciation for artistic expression. Many high school students worked long hours and set high standards for themselves to present themselves to the audience.
“Usually, we would start focusing on the coming performance a month early and even practice individually for nearly an hour a day. It was pretty fun but the early practices definitely helped me perform better,” said On.
As the final chords echoed through the firehouse, the audience erupted into applause, their appreciation a testament to the impact of East Bay Jazz. With open auditions on the horizon and more musicians performing, Amador Valley performers hope to return to play more in the event.
