The Pleasant Band receives countless visits from different artists and bands who share their unique techniques and styles to aspiring student musicians. Recently, the jazz band was visited by the talented trumpet player Marques Carrol.
The high school is blessed with a well-developed music program that provides many different opportunities to students. From different styled bands to countless workshops and lessons, there is something for everyone.
Students are given the opportunity to learn from the visiting artists and bands who come and play. These times are perfect for band members to take inspiration from the best of the best while also learning from them.
Pleasant Valley receives returning visits from bands such as the 34th army band. Every year they put on a concert for PV students while educating them about possibilities of playing music while still joining the military.
Last year, the band was also fortunate enough to be visited by world-renowned musicians Jyoti Thankar and Arvind Paranjape. They provided a truly unique experience most students would have otherwise never had the opportunity to participate in.
Their visit provided a memorable experience, leaving students inspired to explore future careers in the music industry. “Their performance was unlike anything I’ve ever heard before. It was amazing hearing such a unique style of music and learning about the culture behind it,” said senior band member Landon Wiese.
The jazz bands were the recipients of the most recent visiting artist to the school, Marques Carroll.
Carroll is a highly praised trumpet player who has been working with students across the globe for the last 20 years. He has experience playing with some of the best jazz artists, and his album, “The Ancestors’ Call” was considered for a Grammy award.
The directors of the band are always appreciative of the feedback provided to their students and even learn from the artists themselves. “The visiting artists that come in are truly an amazing experience for the students. They bring different perspectives and unique skills for our bands to learn from. Players like Marques Carrol have had the opportunity to play with professional musicians and can inspire students to continue music beyond high school,” commented Drew Anderson.
Jazz band members recognized the special opportunity they had received. “The previous visits from artists and bands have all been awesome experiences. It was incredible to perform alongside the visiting artist and receive in person teaching,” stated sophomore band member Jeremiah Rodgers.
The band will continue to attract musicians from around the world to spread their knowledge and experience. The band looks forward to any other future artists and opportunities to learn from.
