“You Can Make It Your Own Way” - Gaby's JazzED Story
/Each student who joins our programs brings a unique story.
For Gaby, that story began with Seattle JazzED at the 2024 Summer Foundations Camp. She continued in Foundations through the school year and most recently joined our Second Line Project Camp.
Gaby is deeply interested in all forms of art and dreams of becoming an artist. Alongside JazzED, she has studied piano and performed in numerous musical theatre productions with Missoula Children’s Theatre. She also dances flamenco and sings with Seattle Children’s Chorus.
Her younger brother started with Seattle JazzED in early 2024. That’s how Gaby’s mom found out about the other classes we offer for students. At home, Gaby has always been surrounded by music. Her family enjoys many genres, but jazz holds a special place.
Seattle JazzED seemed like the perfect place for Gaby to explore that interest. Adventurous by nature, Gaby never shies away from trying new things. Today, she plays piano and saxophone.
For Gaby, JazzED is “fun, calming, and challenging.” Learning to play an instrument isn’t always easy because it requires time and dedication, but she gets a lot of joy from jazz. She loves how jazz can change with her mood. Sometimes it’s upbeat and energetic, sometimes bluesy and soulful, and sometimes smooth and calming. What excites her most is the freedom to improvise. “You can make it your own way,” she says.
Playing in a band has also been a highlight of her experience. To Gaby, music feels more alive when everyone’s parts come together. This summer at our Second Line Project Camp, she marched with the band in the Torchlight Parade, a moment that made her feel part of something bigger than herself.
That doesn’t mean everything came easily. At first, Gaby was nervous. Many of the campers were older, taller, and more experienced, and the music felt intimidating. She struggled with the music and learning the notes at first.
But one of our interns noticed. During break, he asked her if she was having a difficult time with the music and spent the next couple of days at camp sitting with her and helping her through it. That kind of support, Gaby says, is what makes JazzED’s community different. “I don’t know what I would’ve done without the teachers.”
Gaby keeps coming back to JazzED, stating how hard it is to find another program like this elsewhere. Not many organizations provide the freedom to play music without pressure, or the experience of playing as part of a band.
Beyond her musicianship, she’s grown in other ways. She’s built friendships, learned how to keep going when things are hard, and developed a deep love for jazz. When she struggles with a piece of music now, she doesn’t give up, she persists. She says this helped her get through challenges more easily.
When asked what advice she would give to new JazzED students, she encourages them to pick an instrument they love, ask for help when they need it, and most importantly, just enjoy the music.
Looking ahead, Gaby sees herself continuing to play jazz.
For Gaby, JazzED is more than just learning notes and rhythms. It’s a place to belong, a community to grow with, and a chance to find joy in music every single day.
Interview by Seattle JazzED Summer Intern, Denise Chang
