While many students lay at home gathering the energy to drag themselves out of bed, the members of the high school jazz band already wait in the music suite to rehearse their songs ? at 7 a.m.

As a result of the early hour on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, the musicians trudge into the warm room with eyes half-closed. Despite this factor, the students, led by director Jimmy Loomis, receive the opportunity to work and practice songs for festivals, sporting events and concerts.

“Jazz band is not as simple as it seems,” Loomis said. “There is increased commitment, the members are up early to practice, their dedication is tested and we perform various events more often.”

The jazz band differs from the concert band in that it employs different styles of music as well as a variety of rhythms.

“Jazz is rhythmic,” Loomis said. “[Jazz] has a use of syncopation, or the use of off beats and accents to create a unique sound. Rock and swing styles are important for jazz, and the rhythm sections carry the music.”

To compensate for the woes of waking up early, the class finds entertainment in humorous remarks from fellow students. Freshman Nick Avery relaxes during the class by enjoying the funny moments, he said.

“[Jazz band] is more relaxed than concert band,” Avery said. “[Senior Trevor] Bodi is awesome! He always lightens the atmosphere with his random jokes and comments like ‘Zatarains!'”

Another member of jazz band, sophomore Josh Smith said he gave up on trying to get an adequate amount of sleep due to his busy schedule and the morning rehearsals.

“Now that I am in high school, I realize that sleep is a thing of the past for me,” Smith said. “Playing an instrument when you first wake up is hard, but I don’t mind so much.”

In December, the band was invited for the second year to showcase three Christmas tunes live on the weekday morning TV show, Great Day. The performance put the band in the spotlight of the community.

“Performing on TV was interesting,” Jacob Balderas, ’11, said. “It was nerve-wracking the first time last year when we performed, but I got used to it this year.”

Loomis said he recognized the show as “a great chance to shine.”

“Our Christmas Great Day show was a perk,” Loomis said. “As a result, lots of the viewers throughout the Valley had a chance to learn about our goals as a Christian school.”

Along with the live broadcasted performance, the jazz band performed pep tunes at home basketball games to pump up the players and audience. Avery enjoyed the games for the spirited songs and band traditions like playing Apples to Apples, he said.

“I loved the basketball games,” Avery said. “Not only did I get to watch physical sports instead of doing them mysef, but playing Apples to Apples was awesome. I got to hang out with fellow ‘bando’ friends and get pumped up for the game!”

In contrast to Avery, Balderas said he considers the basketball games to be a tedious obligation.

“I hated the basketball games,” Balderas said. “I don’t care for the sport, but at least being with the band was fun.”

With many opportunities for memories and performances, the jazz band members experience a variety of events.

One of the favorite memories occurred on a bus driving home from a festival when a wasp appeared on the ceiling. By snapping a rubber band over the wasp and cutting it in half, junior Daniel Hopper slayed the beast.

“The wasp story was my favorite,” Smith said. “Daniel’s strength to kill the wasp was impressive!”

Because of experiences with the band and the genre of music played, Avery said he copes with the early routine and enjoys the class.

“Jazz band is worth waking up early for,” Avery said. “We play fun music and have a good time together.”

The jazz band will travel with the campus choral groups to perform on tour in San Diego, March 18. An article on their experience will follow.