Applause filled the basement of the Golden Gate Library on July 12 as the Young Musicians Choral Orchestra (YMCO) showcased the next generation of jazz talent in the Bay.
The free Sunday afternoon concert featured teenage musicians performing classics. One by one, the young musicians performed as an ensemble and solo features.
“It’s about the group collective and individual expression,” said Geechi Taylor, the program’s president and artistic director.
Bassist Lukas Levine, 14, opened with Paul Chambers’ “Blues by Five. Trumpeter Leonard Abesamis, 17, followed with the upbeat “Yardbird Suite”. Margaret Kariuki, 16, performed Wayne Shorter’s “Armageddon.” Tenor saxophonist Tiquan Spence, 15, took on Dexter Gordon’s interpretation of “A Night in Tunisia,” while pianist Max Nguyen, 18, energized the audience with “Fried Bananas.” According to Taylor, both Levine and Nguyen play about eight instruments.
The performances sounded polished and the crowd of 50 responded with applause after each solo and selection. Taylor joined the youth ensemble on drums.
The sextet opened for Geechi Taylor’s ensemble which performed that afternoon.
According to volunteers, the Sunday Summer Jazz series has been a Golden Gate Library tradition for 37 years, pausing only during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The free series continues throughout the summer, pairing youth performances with professional jazz artists.
Trombonist Charles Hamilton performed on July 19. The next upcoming show is tenor saxophonist Steve Heckman on July 26. Performances swing through the summer at the Golden Gate Branch Library, 5606 San Pablo Ave, in North Oakland. The youth ensemble begins at 2:30pm, followed by the main performance from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m.
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