While many high school students are looking forward to a week of relaxation and downtime during Thanksgiving vacation, members of Mission Bay High’s Preservationists and Swing Choir will be performing at the San Diego Jazz Fest and Swing Extravaganza the weekend of Nov. 23-27 at the Town and Country Hotel in Mission Valley.

The San Diego Jazz Festival is one of the longest-running annual music festivals dedicated to celebrating jazz music of the early 20th century. The festival (sdjazzfest.org) features a variety of musical artists performing traditional jazz, swing, blues, boogie-woogie, gospel, and rhythm and blues.

The Preservationists and the Swing Choir are the only high school groups invited to perform at the Jazz Fest. JP Balmat, music director at Mission Bay High, credits this unique honor to “the high quality of student musicians that come out of our school every year. Our high school students’ dedication to strive constantly to improve their instrumental and vocal skills will be on full display at this year’s Jazz Festival.”

Ivy Wells, senior, student leader of the Swing Choir, attended Crown Point Junior Music Academy from kindergarten through fifth grade. “I was surrounded by music all of the time whether it was large group music classes or various after-school activities that teachers went above and beyond to provide for every student,” said Wells. “It is safe to say everyone enjoys music. Having the chance to learn different styles of music and grow as a vocalist throughout most of my schooling has benefited me in many ways.”

Added Wells: “At Jazz Fest this year we will be performing almost our entire repertoire, including three feature songs that showcase individual students, in a set just under an hour in length. Some of the highlighted selections will be ‘Peroxide Swing,’ ‘Virtual Insanity,’ and ‘At Last.’”

Dahlia Robinson, also a senior, plays the upright bass and is the student leader of the jazz band, The Preservationists. As student leaders, both Wells and Robinson have important responsibilities to organize and run rehearsals, assist in selecting music for performances, know the ins and outs of setting up gear, and provide encouragement for their fellow vocalists and musicians.

Robinson credits her family for the spark that started her interest in music. “They supported me, showed me the joys of playing music, and gave me opportunities to grow as a musician. That spark turned into a flame when I went to PB Middle School and joined the school’s orchestra playing the upright bass.” Outside of school, Robinson plays with the Your Lions Jazz Conservatory (yljc.org) as well as several self-made music groups with friends.

Robinson and The Preservationists will play a variety of tunes over the course of the festival, all in the style of New Orleans jazz. Some of these include “Didn’t He Ramble,” “Egyptian Fantasy,” “At The Foot of Canal,” and “Bourbon Street Parade.”

The 2022-23 MBHS Swing Choir es made up of 10 highly skilled vocalists and three equally talented instrumentalists. The Preservationists are made up of 11 carefully selected musicians. Both groups include the best of the best.

How does a young, up-and-coming musician or vocalist become a member of the Swing Choir? Or The Preservationists? The first requirement is a strong passion for music. Second, continued growth as a musician or vocalist. And third, successfully passed the audition structured by Balmat. Auditions are held every spring for both groups and requirements are established by Balmat. Current members must audition again each year. Students interested in becoming part of The Preservationists will submit several video-recorded music selections for evaluation.

Wells adds: “The audition process for Swing Choir is similar. Each candidate must record and submit three pieces of themselves either singing or playing their instrument from a list provided by Mr. Balmat. In addition to new applicants, all current members must re-audition to keep their place in the group.”

After auditions are completed the successful new or returning members are notified mid-summer.

How does one see these talented jazz artists in person during Thanksgiving weekend? Go to sdjazzfest.org for ticketing and showtime information.

– Submitted by Cyril A. Reinicke