The Collegiate
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“ I have several friends and colleagues who are St. Joe’s Jazz Lab Band Alumni, so when I got here I was already aware of its high quality reputation. It’s been an honor to be a part of its legacy. Having Mr. Owens come to work with the boys has been very special. Being in this band is a very unique experience.” Even after Owens retired, his influence remained. Today, he continues to support the program alongside current instrumental music director Jeff Walling, who has led the Jazz Lab Band since 2020. Owens’s dedication cemented St. Joe’s as a dominant force in high school music competitions. They earned a finalist spot an astonishing 10 out of 11 years at the prestigious Berklee College of Music High School Festival. A Legacy of Sound & Success for the SJCI Jazz Lab Band
The vibrant sound of jazz has filled the halls of St. Joe’s for decades, but its legacy stretches even further back. It all began with Brother Gabriel Milanse, FSC, whose vision and dedication shaped the foundation of our fine arts program in the late 1960s. A passionate educator and advocate for the arts, Brother Gabriel’s influence is still felt today. Recognizing his lasting impact, he was inducted into the Fine Arts Wall of Honor in 2005. In 1973, Russell L. Owens joined the faculty and began a legendary 43-year career as the school’s instrumental music teacher. Owens, inducted into the Fine Arts Wall of Honor in 2007, led the Jazz Lab Band with the same energy as professional ensembles. Under his leadership, the band didn’t just practice—they performed. He ensured that students experienced the thrill of playing live gigs and coordinated trips and events where they could showcase their talents. Michael Helfrich ’24 performing at the annual Jazz Lab Band Dinner Dance.
Jeff Walling Instrumental Music Director
Walling carries forward the band’s legacy, ensuring that each generation of musicians experiences the same high standard of performance and passion for jazz. The band continues to take center stage in the Buffalo
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