Julia DiPinto

How long have you played the alto saxophone?

I started playing the saxophone halfway through freshman year of high school on impulse because of a meme I saw. Don't question my ways. As of this date, (The same date Frenchman Jean-Pierre Blanchard and American Dr. John Jeffries make the first crossing of the English Channel in a hydrogen balloon in 1785) I'll have been playing for roughly two years.

What other instruments do you play?

Kind of a lot, but not on a Gavin Rice level of mastery.

Piano- I started in 2nd grade because I was inspired by the cartoon character "Arthur" and my peak was 5th grade. I've gone very much downhill since then and can really only play "Claire de Lune" and "Chopsticks".

Ukulele- Went through an edgy phase in middle school.

Bass Guitar- I'm learning this as of right now! People who can play bass are automatically ten times cooler human beings in my book.

Soprano Saxophone- This one wasn't really by choice but you'll see me play it in "American Patrol" and many more charts to come...

What ensembles have you been a part of?

Just concert band :)

What's your favorite jazz band memory?

Dancing and playing in the snow while waiting for the van to come during the Nauset Newcombers gig.

What's your favorite jazz band song?

So far it's American Patrol! You can't beat trad jazz.

Why did you want to join jazz band?

Funny story. During sophomore year I went to the spring concert I believe, and when the jazz band started playing the theme to M.A.S.H. I started crying!!! The music and skills of the people in jazz band literally moved me to feel such strong emotions that I started crying. So from then on it was my mission to get into jazz band. I was lucky, because both Alto Saxophones were seniors!

Anything else you'd like to share?

Advice for young musicians: Jump right into the difficult stuff! I'm telling you! If I didn't challenge myself, I would not be in this ensemble for sure! And a major pro-tip: Don't just learn an instrument for the specific purpose of joining jazz band. There's absolutely no passion in that, let the music come to you.