Samo Jazz Band performs live and online with new tech
By Megan Suchet, Copy Editor
On Feb. 12, Samo’s Jazz Band hosted its first live concert in almost a year and, thanks to an open broadcast software called Jamulus, it was entirely online and perfectly in-time.
Students and program directors alike were thrilled to be performing together again. The Jazz 2 group, directed by Ryan Rowles, opened the night, followed by the more advanced Jazz 1 ensemble, directed by Tom Whaley.
“It was a lot of fun, the last time any of us played live was around this time last year,” Felix Mindlin (’22), lead alto sax player in Jazz 1, said.
Live virtual performances were initially ruled out due to the auditory lag between devices. For months, music directors were forced to resort to having students record their musical sections separately, sorely missing the ability to play and improvise with their peers. In September however, Jazz 1 began using Jamulus, accomplishing a previously impossible feat, playing together again. Jazz 2 was on it by the end of November.
“This to me is the ultimate solution. We actually had an emotional moment the first time the kids were able to play together. It was very touching,” Whaley said as he closed off the night.
Samo is one of the only high schools incorporating Jamulus into its arts education. It recently hosted UCLA professors in the Jazz Band practice so they could learn from the Samo model.
In order to provide adequate audio and video during the concert, the sound came through Jamulus, using a Google server for less ping time to avoid delay, which coupled with Zoom to livestream on Youtube. Though at times the video lagged, the audio never did. Students logged on from home, the same way they do school but now dressed and ready for a concert. They were able to introduce their piece and improvise live to their audience. It was a sight to see.
“It’s not the same as playing in person, but it’s the next best thing,” Mindlin said.
For those who missed the concert, a video of the livestream is available on Youtube. Another chance to see Jamulus in action will present itself within the coming months as the band rehearses for its spring concert.