Mission Bay Jazz Band Takes on New Orleans

Above, Michael Jaimes, senior,
plays the baritone sax at Old US Mint.

The Mission Bay High School Preservationist band has returned from a trip to New Orleans, where the jazz ensemble performed in historic locales and toured historic sites.

The group partnered with the New Olreans Jazz National Historical Park and Preservation Hall to perform in some of the city's well-known venues, including Preservation Hall, the Old US Mint and in park.

For many students this was a life changing experience," said Mission Bay Band Director Jean-Paul Balmat. "I now have a number of students who want to study in New Orleans and some who plan to move there after graduating from high school."

The Preservationists (formerly the Mission Bay High School Dixie Jazz Band) is San Diego's premier traditional youth jazz band. The band has been featured at venues throughout San Diego County and California including: House of Blues, Petco Park, Sea World, Dizzy's, Tango Del Rey, Ocean Beach Music and Art Festival and the Sacramento Jazz Festival.

At Preservation Hall

This exciting, versatile group performs traditional New Orleans jazz and swing. They are sponsored by America's Finest City Dixieland Jazz Society and are one of the featured youth bands at their annual Thanksgiving Jazz Festival.

"The kids were so inspired musically by the trip," said Balmat. "They loved listening to all the great musicians and performing at Preservation Hall."

For more information on the program, visit the music program's website at http://www.missionbaymusic.com/