BCACADEMIES

established 2023

JAZZCLUB

ABOUT US

"You can play a shoestring if you're sincere."

-John Coltrane

we are the Bergen County Academies Jazz Club, a completely student-run organization and the culmination of our collective efforts to learn and play jazz together. We have had a successful debut year, with multiple awards won at the Essentially Ellington Regional Festival at Newark Academy, and we are extremely excited to continue our club this school year.

accolades

In our recent performance in the Essentially Ellington Regional festival at Newark Academy, we had 2 of our members receive awards for being outstanding soloists: James Doherty on alto saxophone and David Villarosa on trumpet. We are excited to return to this festival next year.

James and David Villarosa at EE Newark Academy

We also received free tickets to go watch the 2024 Essentially Ellington Festival at Jazz at Lincoln Center.

MEET THE TEAM!

Dillon K. Kim

dilkim26@bergen.org

Co-President & Co-Director

Piano

The K stands for Kool. I've been playing piano since a young age and I've always been interested in Jazz. I started playing classical and quickly moved on to some more exciting music from composers like Ellington and Herbie Hancock. Ever since, I've loved playing jazz.

Mohit Kalia

mohkal26@bergen.org

Co-President & Co-Director

Tenor Saxophone

The M stands for Kool. I've only really gotten into jazz in high school, but have been deeply fascinated with great players like Sonny Rollins and Thad Jones. I'm excited to lead the jazz club this season.

James Doherty

jamdoh26@bergen.org

Vice President & Lead Instructor

Alto Saxophone

0 truths and a lie: The J stands for Kool. I've been playing saxophone since 4th grade and have been influenced by many musicians like Paul Desmond and Cannonball Adderley. Besides saxophone, I also like to play the piano and some guitar.