Major Matthew Mutti expresses the unit’s gratitude to singer Alaina Mueller, 15, and saxophonist, David Jardim, 17. (Photo submitted)
WESTFIELD – On Saturday, December 7, students from Windsor High School’s Jazz Quartet in Windsor, Conn. performed for members of the 104th Fighter Wing. The four students and a guest vocalist performed for over 300 Air National Guardsmen during their annual holiday brunch held in the base’s dining facility.
The jazz quartet was founded at the end of last year when their teacher discovered the students’ love for jazz.
“We had four kids that were very interested in jazz – it just so happened they played all the necessary instruments to put this kind of group together”, said Steven Ortiz, their music teacher and also a Services Officer at the 104th Fighter Wing.
The students from Windsor High School have been performing every other week at a restaurant in Windsor. Students gained confidence and refined their performance etiquette skills in this setting. The members of the jazz quartet told Ortiz they wanted to make a difference this year and use their musical talents to bring holiday cheer to others.
Ortiz told the students about the 104th Fighter Wing’s multiple recent deployments, and asked the students if they would consider performing for the Airmen on base.
Students and their parents stand in front of an F-15 from the 104th Fighter Wing. (Photo submitted)
“We were honored when Mr. Ortiz asked us, and told him yes right away”, said Ryan Munasinghe, a sophomore and guitar player in the group. “We know our heroes in uniform are under a lot of stress and we all decided that the base performance would be a great idea.”
Ortiz spoke to the students about the dual role that guardsmen play; the fact that they hold jobs, and serve in the military part-time.
“We knew that men and women go off to war to protect our freedom, but we didn’t know that these people have regular jobs, just like our parents do”, said Ben Mueller a drummer in the group. “I give these guys a lot of credit. If we can play a few tunes and make their day, we would do it any time.”
As part of their trip to the base, students received a warm welcome in the main hangar where they were given a tour of an F-15 flown by the 104th Fighter Wing.
“We were very impressed with how good they were. We are very grateful they were able to enliven our dining facility with their music”, said Major Matthew Mutti, Commander of the 104th Fighter Wing’s Force Support Squadron said. Mutti and Chief Master Sergeant Andres Huxtable presented each of the students with certificates of appreciation during the event.
Singer Alaina Mueller has a look inside the cockpit of an F-15 Eagle. (Photo submitted)
Ortiz hopes that this initial connection with the military is just the beginning and will give the students an appreciation for what our men and women in uniform do. Ortiz has hopes to travel with the students to Washington D.C. to perform in a clinic with the Airmen of Note, the United States Air Force’s premier jazz ensemble.
“The Airmen of Note are among the best musicians in the world, but they are also Airmen. They will get our request and might consider working with these students as part of their educational outreach program”, said Ortiz.
“Who knows, while we’re in Washington, we might even be asked to play at the White House”, said Ortiz with a smile.
