Kuumbwa Jazz Honor Band

Meet the ’24/’25 Kuumbwa Jazz Honor Band! Pictured L to R: Adler Blackmun (alto saxophone), Samuel Nicely (guitar), Nolan Frink (trumpet), Reuben Cave (piano), Kyle McMillan (bass), Ryu Cirillo (trombone), Raymond Cavlan (trumpet), Kai Thomas-Nasef (drums)

Upcoming Performances:
12/17: Kuumbwa Jazz Holiday Party (Private Event)
12/20: Dominican Oaks (Private Event)
1/13: Crepe Place (Chris Botti Pre-Show Performance) @ 5:30pm
2/11: Gayle’s Bakery & Rosticceria
2/26: Henry J. Mello Center for the Performing Arts Center (Santa Cruz Symphony Youth Concert)
2/27: Henry J. Mello Center for the Performing Arts Center (Santa Cruz Symphony Youth Concert)
2/28: Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium (Santa Cruz Symphony Youth Concert)
3/2: Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium (Santa Cruz Symphony Youth Concert)

The Kuumbwa Jazz Honor Band showcases some of the most talented student musicians from Santa Cruz County and the Central Coast region. 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.