Kuumbwa Jazz Honor Band

Meet the ’22/’23 Kuumbwa Jazz Honor Band! Featuring Derick Freitas on guitar, Jonah Harre on drums, Kyle McMillan on bass, Logan Manildi on trumpet, and Noah Rowe on tenor saxophone, the Kuumbwa Jazz Honor Band showcases some of the most talented high-school student musicians from Santa Cruz County and the Central Coast region. These young jazz ambassadors pass a rigorous audition to earn their position in the Honor Band. During weekly rehearsals, the band studies advanced jazz theory, arranging, and improvisation, all while learning valuable life skills in teamwork and critical thinking. Band-members gain vital experience performing together, culminating in a special headline performance at the Kuumbwa Jazz Center.

The Honor Band is directed by David McGillicuddy, a graduate of Aptos High, Cabrillo College, and UCSC. He has been teaching music since 1997 and his jazz guitar YouTube lessons have garnered nearly a quarter-million views. A longtime member of the Kuumbwa community, he attended his first Kuumbwa show in 1985 and has been volunteering since 1988.

To book the Honor Band for a concert or private event, or for more information about the program, please contact Brian Fitzgerald.