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Since 2005, KNKX's School of Jazz has provided mentorship, learning and performance opportunities to Western Washington middle school, high school and college jazz students. A cornerstone of the station's signature community outreach program, it has directly impacted thousands of jazz students, band directors and professional musicians. School of Jazz is sponsored by BECU.

School of Jazz: Students Cameron Allen and Jonah Panzer serve as guest DJs for KNKX

Cameron Allen
Cameron Allen (Left), Jonah Panzer (Right)

Saxophonists Cameron Allen and Jonah Panzer from Stadium High School in Tacoma will take over our Seattle studios tonight (May 9) at 8 p.m. as guests DJs. Listen to the show and read a Q&A with Cameron and Jonah. 

Which instrument do you play and why?

Cameron: Tenor Sax. I played trombone in fifth grade, but I quickly lost interest. I started
playing the sax for a new challenge in my musical career.

 
Jonah: Alto (and sometimes soprano) saxophone. I started out on clarinet, but switched to baritone sax in seventh grade because in middle school, big sound equals cool instrument. Alto saxophone remains my instrument of choice because I’ve come to appreciate its versatility and unique blend of color and darkness.

 
What’s your all-time favorite jazz piece?

Cameron: "The Mighty Urubamba" by Jim Cutler.

Jonah: “Darn that Dream” by Dexter Gordon (the 1964 recording). I love every single part of this piece: the piano intro, harmonic complexity and, of course, Dexter’s lyricism and creativity. I could cry to this tune.

Who is your jazz hero? 

Cameron: Charlie Parker.

 
Jonah: Cannonball Adderley. He played with a ton of energy, yet made room for emotional depth. Listening to Cannonball usually puts you in a good mood.

Why jazz?

Cameron: Jazz is everything that classical music is, but it requires an entirely new mindset,
approach and skill set that is challenging and rewarding.

Jonah: I feel like jazz is often at the intersection of a lot of what makes music worth listening to: harmonic appeal, groove, virtuosity and individual self-expression. As a musician, jazz is never boring because I can always find a way to improve.

CAMERON AND JONAH'S PLAYLIST

"Jibaro" Miguel Zenon (Jibaro)

 
"Fables of Faubus" Charles Mingus Big Band (Gunslinging Birds)

"Send in the Clowns" Stan Kenton Orchestra (Kenton '76)

"Hide and Seek" Joshua Redman (Freedom in the Groove)

"Julian" Phil Woods (I Remember)

"Naima" John Coltrane (Giant Steps)

Follow Jonah Panzer on Spotify and Instagram: @jpanzer17