It’s not every day that students get the chance to play with a professional musician. Band director, Adam DeVault, had the opportunity to have professional saxophonist player Denis DiBlasio originally play with the jazz ensemble at their concert on Feb. 19 but due to weather conditions, they won’t play with him until their concert in April.

“This opportunity is provided by the Delano Jazz Orchestra and Marty Sellberg,” DeVault said. “Marty is a member of the Delano Jazz Orchestra and believes in the importance of jazz education.”

According to DeVault the Delano Jazz Orchestra selects an artist and school each semester. DeVault also brings in guests to work with the

students that teach colleges or universities.

“I am also a member of the Delano Jazz Orchestra, so I guess Derby was front of mind when they were selecting an artist and a school for this semester,” DeVault said.

Playing with a professional musician is eye opening for students.

Especially for those who want to pursue a career in music.

“I really love music and I have for a majority of my life,” senior Ian Knickrehm said. “I’d like to pursue it as a career.”

Whether students want to pursue a career in music or not, this is a terrific opportunity.

“I think playing with Denis DiBlasio is a great experience and an awesome privilege to get to be able to play with someone so experienced at what they do,” senior Ava Thomas-Baldwin said.

Some students have had the chance to play with professionals before DiBlasio. Seniors Kendall Chance and Knickrehm have both played with professionals. They both have had the opportunity to play with saxophonist Melissa Aldana and Knickrehm has played with a couple other musicians.

Although Chance and Knickrehm have had the chance to play with professionals during their time playing music, others haven’t and they were excited for this opportunity.

“After hearing the news about Mr. DiBlasio playing with the high school jazz ensemble on one of the songs that he wrote I was thrilled,” senior Sagan Plantz said.

DiBlasio isn’t the first professional to play with the jazz ensemble though.

“The last time we had a jazz musician as famous as Denis at DHS it was Maynard Ferguson, and that was 20 years ago give or take,” DeVault said.

Being able to bring in professionals to play with the jazz ensemble isn’t just for the experience. It can be a learning moment for students and can help them grow as a musician.

“It is always great for students to get someone else’s perspective on what we need to do to get better, and to hear what it’s like to be a professional musician,” DeVault said.

Hearing a professional play can be inspiring. Sophomore Evan Hodges had the opportunity to perform a solo during ‘Coconut Champagne’ that DiBlasio originally played in the song.

Playing a solo can be nerve racking whether you are prepared or not.

“I’m excited to play with him but I’m nervous because me and him play the same instrument and I don’t want to mess up infront of him,” Hodges said.

Nonetheless, playing with a professional can be an intimidating yet a fun, learning experience.

DiBlasio is well known for playing in the Maynard Ferguson band, as well as producing songs of his own. Including ‘Coconut Champagne,’ which he will perform with the jazz ensemble at their concert.

This is just one of the many great opportunities that these students get experience.