Jazz is a unique music genre, one that is often able to combine the freedom of improvisation with the precision of a well-rehearsed ensemble. Berkeley High School itself has a robust jazz program, with its highest level band being the jazz ensemble.
On Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026, the ensemble band held their annual fall concert at First Presbyterian Church in order to show off the impressive repertoire of songs they’ve been working on this year.
Led by Sarah Cline and Roberto Figueroa, the set the student musicians played included a wide variety of music that both kept the audience on their toes, and also demonstrated the full range that the jazz ensemble has the ability to perform. They played classic tunes as well as newer, more experimental pieces. They even included a piece by BHS alumnus, Joshua Redman, exemplifying just how far any of these musicians could go in the future. Some favorites of the students who played were the opening song, “Giant Steps” by John Coltrane, and “Jazz Crimes” by Redman. Despite each tune presenting a new challenge, the musicians’ hard work clearly paid off throughout the performance.
Students also performed combos, which are smaller group arrangements that allow a musician’s individuality to shine through.
Overall, the styles in which the combos were played challenged the audience’s expectations on what type of songs they would hear, and on the various techniques used to play them.
Judah Press, a BHS senior in ensemble said, “The jazz ensemble is just like the pinnacle of high school jazz, and you know that’s where I want to be. I want to be playing the best jazz … I love soloing and expressing myself through music and through the saxophone.”
The love that all the student musicians share is clear, as could be heard through the numerous skilled solos over the course of the night. From violins to vibraphones, each musician served to bring something new to the table when it came to improvisation.
“Ms. Cline, and Mr. Figueroa are amazing teachers. They’ve instilled a love of jazz in my kids,” Andrea Roth, a parent and audience member, said. She noted not only the quality of the music, but the joy that was apparent among the musicians. “I just love how into it the kids are. I love how much they work as a team,” she said.
Not only does the jazz ensemble perform beautiful pieces, but it also serves as a safe place for the students involved. “It’s a really nice community … we’re supporting each other,” BHS junior and trumpet player Sean Rudner said.
Alongside the clear technical talent seen throughout the jazz bands set, the student musicians communicated the importance of community. It was clear throughout the entirety of the show the significance of providing music education, one that gives budding musicians an opportunity to perform and share with others. “The world can be a scary place and a lot of bad things can happen, but a lot of good things happen too. And one of the really good things that happens is young people just coming with so much sincerity and joy and love for music coming together and creating together,” Cline said.
This concert was a fantastic debut of this year’s jazz ensemble, and the first of many performances to come.