Some Santa Barbara County High School students are getting schooled by some of America’s best jazz musicians.
New Orleans jazz saxophonist Derek Douget is in Santa Barbara County is part of a new jazz residency program created by the Lobero Theater Foundation. He and his group of musicians are visiting local colleges, schools, and music programs providing some hands on instruction with students.
Douget says he almost feels like part of his mission as a musician is to share his love of music with young performers. One of the stops is at Santa Barbara High School.
The 20 students on hand are in an advanced jazz class. Santa Barbara High School Instrumental Music Director Carnie Vandersol says she had about 40 students overall in the school’s jazz program. She’s thrilled there is so much interest among the younger generation of the music. One of the young musicians says he finds jazz inspirational.
David Lopez , who plays the trumpet, says he’s thinking about music as a career.
Douget’s residency in Santa Barbara County this week is the first in what the Lobero Theater Foundation is hoping will be an ongoing series of events. The residency is capped with an event for the community Friday night.
Douget and his group of musicians will perform at 8 p.m., at the Lobero Theater.
