JHS Band Members Spread Joy!

 Wolfpack Musicians Spread Joy to Those Staying at Home

By Andrea Fus, Band Parent

Several Justice High School students who miss playing together in Marching and Concert Band came up with their own solution for satisfying the desire to make music and share it with others.  David Peterson (Tenor Saxophone), asked a group of musician friends if they’d like to volunteer to play for residents in local senior living homes.  Peterson had contacted the Director of Activities in several facilities for interest, and the group was on their way, rehearsing individually at home and together at public areas like parks which offered social distancing.  Along with Peterson, Alto Saxophones Benji Loeffler and Elisha Watson and Baritone Saxophone Theodore (Teddy) Cohen were joined at various performances by flute players Salma Escamilla and Annik Fus and vocalist Valeria Peterson, who complemented several of their pieces with non-reed tones and character.

In light of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19 virus) restrictions, the performances were held outside the facilities, sometimes in sun, high heat and humidity.  Nonetheless, audiences cheered on the musicians, tapping, clapping, and swaying to the rhythms of waltzes, fugues and rags.  As an attendee (ahem, JHS band groupie), I was quite impressed.   The challenging music was learned at a fast pace, yet performed beautifully.  It was refreshing to hear the small group play different music styles than in Marching Band or Concert Band competitions.

After a performance at ManorCare of Arlington on September 3, 2020, Director of Activities Ms. Gloria Allen remarked “They were great!  This is Kennedy Center material.  We would love to have them back again.  Three different concert venues were played that day.  Here’s to our Justice Wolfpack Musicians!