Mike Owens, sophomore; Hans Faris, junior; Jim Jung, freshman; and Eric Zhang, sophomore, all share a common passion: music. This passion drives them to play together whenever possible, even if that means playing outside before or after school.
The group, called the Oz Jazz Quartet, was formed this school year.
“We like to spice things up in the mornings,” Owens, bass guitar player, said. “We just love jamming. Music is awesome.”
They usually play on Monday mornings before school; however, they played outside after school the day before Spring Break. They arrive around 7 a.m. and play until 8 a.m. Typically, they play songs with jazzy tones such as “Chameleon” and “Fried Neck Bones.”
This impromptu band has already played four times and plans to continue performing for students outside of jazz and symphonic band.
“Playing music in general is just fun,” Jung, guitar player, said. “Playing outside is a different experience. It’s not something I do a lot.”
Jung said since he doesn’t get to play music outside that often, it made it a more interesting experience.
“When people have good reactions to it, it makes it more fun, and when people look confused it makes it more fun,” Jung said.
Jung’s love for music started in first grade when he was introduced to the piano. Since then, he has played guitar for six years and currently takes lessons at the Midwest Music Conservatory.
Faris, drummer, said they enjoy getting outside and playing if the weather is nice. Being enrolled in both jazz and symphonic band, Faris is a dedicated musician, just like the other members of the band.
The boys also meet regularly to play all around St. Louis. Locally, they have played at the Ballwin Pointe and The Wolf.
“We have had some positive feedback from students and staff,” Faris said.
Jennifer Firestone, sophomore, said hearing the band made the start to her day that much better.
“We’ve had people tell us that it makes Monday suck less,” Owens said.
Not only do the students enjoy the band, but the staff also supports their performances and love of music. Sophomore Principal Carl Hudson and Janet Houseman, language arts teacher, said they both think the impromptu band is a very positive thing.
“Any time our students in any organization can showcase their talents, it gets students more involved in what’s going on,” Hudson said.
Houseman said she agreed with Hudson’s assessment.
“I really love music to begin with, and they are such talented musicians that they should take every opportunity to play and get more recognition,” Houseman said.
The group plans to play outside next on Monday, April 30, for International Jazz Day.