At Jesuit’s annual spring concert this past Saturday evening, the Blue Jay Concert and Jazz bands performed for a full audience of students, alumni, faculty, staff, and Blue Jay families. The concert band played under the direction of Joe Caluda ’79, and the jazz band was led by assistant band director Jason Giaccone. Audio and visual production for the evening was developed and executed by D.J. Galiano ’07.

After kicking off the evening with the “Star Spangled Banner,” the concert band performed a medley of themes from The Mandalorian Star Wars series complete with scenes from the TV series projected behind the ensemble. The band continued with a performance of Fred Allen’s “They Led My Lord Away” followed by “Canticles” by James Curnow. Caluda then recognized a number of students and parents (see below for a complete listing) before closing off the concert band’s portion of the concert with a Disney medley.

After each graduating senior was recognized by the band’s directors, a jazz combo made up of seniors Louis Bercaw, Austin Hebert, Aidan Schwarz, and Matthew Vuong performed several jazz standards before the jazz band took the stage.

Pointing out that the first spring concert in the auditorium in two years was also the last performance for the band’s seniors, Caluda said, “This evening, we are also fortunate to once again be able to return to this auditorium for our Spring Concert as we say goodbye to our graduating seniors.”

He applauded the senior class’s more than 25 district honor band appearances, more than 10 All-State appearances, and countless individual awards accrued over the past five years. He also thanked parents for the critical role they played making music a priority in their sons’ and their own lives.

“Much like most of you,” he continued, “this graduating class has faced many challenges over the last few years. They have met these challenges determined not to let these difficult times stand in the way of them reaching their full potential here at Jesuit.”

He encouraged students to keep music a part of their life while staying close to God above all.

“As you leave us tonight, know how much we will miss you—but please also know that you will forever be part of the Blue Jay Band family,” he concluded.

Fans of the Blue Jay Band can view a full gallery of the evening here (or by clicking below) or view a complete recording of the concert made possible by band parents Jorge Schwarz and John Gilmore.

Bandsmen Recognized at the Concert

Senior High Concert Band

Aidan Schwarz
Colin Torrance
Taylor Trepagnier
Matthew Vuong
Alex Weeks
Frank Young

Junior High Jazz Band

Matthew Torrance

Senior High Jazz Band

Louis Bercaw
Austin Hebert
Aidan Schwarz

All State Orchestra

Matthew Vuong

All State Jazz Band

Aidan Schwarz

Outstanding LMEA District VI Woodwind Player

Matthew Vuong

All State Solo Competition Gold Medals
Including selection to a virtual concert for the top 10 Louisiana performers

Aidan Schwarz
Matthew Vuong

Drum Majors

Louis Bercaw
Michael Paul Fine

Hecker Awards

David Kessler
Gabriel Sacasa