Story by: Evelin Cabrera, Staff Writer
Photo Courtesy Cypress College Music Department
The Cypress College Jazz Band is set to perform its Spring Concert in the Cypress Campus Theater, Friday, May 1 at 7 p.m. The concert will include music from the 20th century, ranging in style from jazz to old school to hip hop.
Student musicians will perform pieces composed by themselves as well as selections chosen by Professor Gary Gopar, chair of the music department and director of Cypress’ jazz band.
As the performance date approaches, Gopar said preparing the concert requires adjustments based on student availability and instrumentation.
“Our lineup changes depending on who’s available, what composition students bring and the instruments we can gather. The audience sees the finished performance, not the rehearsal process,” said Gopar.
Students also meet ahead of the performance to coordinate rehearsal time, review selections and adjust for the show. Preparation includes setting up equipment confirming the order of pieces and working through timing before the concert begins.
“We’ll get here, get all our gear, discuss the program, and we’ll rehearse for about an hour and a half to two hours before taking a break and getting ready for the concert,” Joseph Oh, a student drummer, said. Rehearsals are essential and continuous, often taking place several hours before the show.
Gopar noted that some students are occasionally unavailable due to personal matters or class schedules. In those cases, he may call alumni to fill in on instruments to ensure the pieces can still be performed.
He also works with students who have composed their own music helping them with complex arrangements. Three students wrote their own music this semester.
“These compositions are difficult,” said Gopar. “I work with students to prepare them for the performance.”
Oh also said rehearsing the composed pieces helps reduce stress and build confidence for the performance.
“Once we run over the songs a few times the overwhelm is off our shoulders. Then we can focus on playing together,” Oh said.
Gopar describes the rehearsal process as a balance of preparation and flexibility.
“Sometimes bass players or other key musicians are unavailable for a rehearsal so we adapt quickly. The audience only sees the final performance, not the adjustments behind the scenes,” said Gopar.
Tickets for the concert will be $10 for general admissions and $7 for students, seniors and children ages 5 to 3. Children under 5 are admitted free. Tickets are available at the campus box office and in-person purchases are recommended to avoid online convenience fees.
Gopar said the goal is to deliver a complete performance while keeping preparation challenges behind the scenes, “the stress is interwoven with excitement… it’s a very exciting process leading up to the performance.”
