The Collegiate
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music community, recently participating in Oktober Jazz Fest, presented by the Music is Art Foundation and is a regular performer at Kaleida Health’s Festival of Trees and OLV Charities events. Living out St. Joe’s Lasallian values, the Jazz Lab Band also shares its musical gifts with elementary schools, senior living communities and hospitals, using music as a tool for connection and service. The band’s reach extends far beyond Buffalo. In April 2024, 23 members of the Jazz Lab Band, along with faculty members, embarked on a journey to New Orleans, the birthplace of jazz. They explored the rich musical history of the French Quarter, jammed with a Second Line Band in a lively street parade and attended the world-famous New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. This spring, the band went back on the road to Philadelphia, where they collaborated with LaSalle College High School for clinics and performances. St. Joe’s musicians continue to be recognized for their talents. This spring, Jackson Blum ’26 (trombone), Michael Hershenov ’26 (piano) Braun Borgese ’26 (drums) and Sam Napoli ’25 (vibraphone) were selected for the All-Erie County Jazz Ensemble, with five other band members named as alternates. These honors highlight not only their individual talent but also the strength of the Jazz Lab Band’s program in preparing students for musical excellence.
“ Jazz Lab Band is a school staple with an unbelievable legacy. Anyone who’s ever been affiliated with St. Joe’s knows the Jazz Band and always remembers it being an elite group of musicians. As a member, there’s a sense of pride in knowing you’re carrying on a decades-long tradition of musical excellence.”
Caleb Walker ’26
The future of the Jazz Lab Band is bright. This summer, the program continues its mission with the St. Joe’s Jazz Lab Camp, designed for middle school-aged boys with a passion for music during its summer camp program. From its humble beginnings to its national success, the Jazz Lab Band stands as a testament to the dedication, talent and passion of the musicians, directors and supporters who have shaped it over the years. As the program continues to evolve, one thing remains the same—St. Joe’s will always be home to some of the finest young jazz musicians in the country. AWARDS
1st Place The New Traditionalists (TNT) Jazz Festival 1st Place The University at Buffalo Jazz Festival 1st Place The Central New York Jazz Festival
1st Place The Bells Spirit of Music Festival at Kleinhans Music Hall Best in Class 1st Place Walt Disney World High School Jazz Competition NYSSMA Gold Rating
Second Line Band plays in a lively street parade during Jazz Lab Band trip to New Orleans.
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