Wandering through the halls after school has ended, leaving from a club, or tutoring, or heading to practice, you suddenly hear the sound of drums and guitar chords and vocals fill the hallway, and you wonder what on Earth is going on. You’ve stumbled upon Jam Club, or, “Organized chaos in the best way possible,” as Mr. Capersino, the club’s original sponsor, would say. Jam Club covers multiple genres and includes a variety of instruments ranging from vocals to drums.

About three or so years ago, Christian Solis, a 2023 graduate, went to Mrs. Gonzales about starting a music club. After going through the process to have the club approved, they began the search for sponsors, and immediately Mr. Capersino signed up, eager to sponsor the club, recruiting Mr. Baize to sponsor as well. “Personally, I’m a musician and that’s my happiest time, when I’m playing instruments, and it’s really cool to see some of my kids that aren’t really vibing with my math class at least be engaged in something they’re passionate about,” Mr. Capersino explained.

Within Jam Club, there are four bands which Alexus Trentham⁽¹¹⁾, the clubs president, explains: “We have a teacher band; we have a more expert band who have more stage experience (advanced); we have what we call intermediate where it’s people who have been playing for a year or over; and beginners who have just started playing.”

As far as band names goes, the club is still tossing some ideas around.

Usually, Jam Club meets Mondays and Fridays from 2:30 pm to 4 pm, “depending on which level you’re at,” Mr. Baize explains. Typically, advanced meets on Monday and the intermediates and beginners meet on Friday. However, “We want everybody to show up on both days in case we don’t have enough people, then, ‘Hey we can jump on and play instruments!’” Mr. Capersino elaborates. Once a week, Jam Club has “secret Jam Club”, which is invite only; these meetings allow the club to hone in on what they need to work on.

If you’re looking forward to seeing Jam Club perform, you don’t have to wait long! Jam Club will be having their first performance September 14th, at the Homecoming Carnival where the advanced kids will be playing. And, have no fear, because all of the bands will be showcased at the Trunk-or-Treat in October. Mr. Baize confirms that, “There is gonna be other ones [performances] spread out throughout the year, but those are the first two set in stone.”

Lastly, you’re probably wondering: Who can join Jam Club? Wyatt Gust⁽⁹⁾, a club member, joined just a couple of weeks ago and participates in both the intermediate and advanced bands. And while Wyatt⁽⁹⁾ joined with previous experience, anyone is welcome to Jam Club. It is preferred that members have a little knowledge of instruments, at least the one they plan on playing, however, “If you don’t, you just learn,” Wyatt⁽⁹⁾ explains.

Alexus Trentham⁽¹¹⁾ joined Jam Club last year because, “I wanted to be a part of something musically in school, and I am not a band kid or a choir kid - I fit in with the people more.” Maybe band and choir aren’t your thing, but you love music, like Alexus⁽¹¹⁾ then try Jam Club.

No matter your level, expert or absolute beginner, Jam Club is a, “Fun opportunity to learn something new or just listen to fun music,” according to Mr. Baize. So stop by and check it out and keep in mind the wise words of Mr. Capersino, “Just because you’ve been playing for a while doesn't mean you can’t learn something from the new kids too.”