Ava Dzubinski’s love for jazz goes back to hearing it in the car as a little kid. Since then, listening to and performing jazz music has been an important part of Ava’s life. Ava started playing the saxophone in 4th grade. She has since joined the marching band her freshman year and jazz band this past year. Ava says that jazz band has been hard but rewarding. The experience has built her confidence and skill, and it also has given her more leadership opportunities.
In the summer of 2023, Ava collaborated with friends to start The Spitvalves which is an independent jazz band unsponsored by North Hills. The band currently has 11 members. This is one of the first student-created bands that has had real success. This success is due to the work of the band members and their dedication to their craft. The Spitvalves have performed to raise money for charity and currently have raised around $800 total. The Spitvalves practice every Tuesday and work hard to improve their skill. Ava says that even though it is sometimes difficult learning to work together, it is rewarding to see the product of the work The Spitvalves put into their performances.
This Saturday, the jazz band will be performing at the High School for the Mardi Gras celebration. They are performing 14 songs including swing, classics, and ballads. Ava says the best part of jazz band has been playing with the entire band, specifically the other saxophone players. She says their sounds work well with each other.
