In December of 2011, seniors Russel Muller and Chase Lancaster and juniors Harrison Klein and Kevin Kasimov created the Calabasas Quartet, a band that plays cool jazz.
Senior Chase Lancaster
Written by Jake Bender – Staff Writer
To many, the drums are the ultimate symbol of cacophonous and deafening noise, but for senior Chase Lancaster, the drums are simply a medium for creating phenomenal sound.
Bored with playing classic rock, Lancaster found refuge in jazz. After only a year of jazz performance at CHS, Lancaster found himself completely immersed in the genre’s musical complexities and upbeat rhythms. Looking to expand his musical knowledge this past summer, he spent three weeks at Interlochen music camp working alongside great jazz musicians and building his skills.
“I love jazz because it has a certain rawness to it, but at the same time it sounds really beautiful,” said Lancaster.
Lancaster and the now current members of the Calabasas Quartet began meeting outside of the CHS jazz band. The quartet held marathon rehearsal sessions and eventually started to play in front of a live audience. The Calabasas Quartet has become a tour de force with a sound wise beyond its years.
“I do not know what the future holds,” said Lancaster. “[I do know] that the present could not be any better.”
Senior Russel Muller
Written by Jake Bender – Staff Writer
For senior Russell Muller, playing the jazz guitar is a way to articulate his emotions. His four years of guitar practice have made him an important member of the CHS jazz band
Mueller’s competitive nature pushed him to pick up the guitar. His father challenged that Muller would not adhere to the instrument for a substantial period of time, and what began as a bet to prove his father wrong ultimately grew into a true passion.
“My dad pushed me into pursuing the guitar, but musicians [such as] Pat Matheney and Jimmy Page also inspire me,” said Muller.
After playing in the CHS jazz band for three years, Muller yearned to expand his musical experience. In December of 2011, the Calabasas Quartet was an opportunity for Muller to collaborate with three other jazz musicians outside of school. “On stage, I get [feelings] of nervousness and excitement that cannot be replicated anywhere else,” said Muller. “Jazz has become an important part of my life.”
While Muller hopes to major in music in the future, he currently finds himself in a place of complacency, where he is able to enjoy music both inside and outside of school.
Junior Harrison Klein
Written by Gabi Weiss – Staff Writer
Junior Harrison Klein possesses the perseverance and jazzy music style of a true master. He is able to produce rapid percussions that always deliver an amazing show. To Klein, jazz is not confined to a genre but is a way of life.
At thirteen, having only played the bass for three months, Klein was accepted into the Bill Green Mentorship Program, a jazz education scholarship based around the Los Angeles Jazz Society. The acceptance challenged Klein to improve and match the sophistication of the other students in the program. He began spending the majority of his time at music camps and workshops. Recently, he received the Soloist Music Award from Stanford University and a full tuition scholarship to Berklee College of Music in Boston.
“I hope to ultimately convey that with hard-work and determination it is possible for anyone to reach [his or her] goals,” said Klein.
Klein has always enjoyed playing for family and friends who consistently urge him to perform outside of school events. He eventually took the advice and formed the Calabasas Quartet. Together, the band now collaborates in and out of school functions, always leaving a lasting impression.
Junior Kevin Kasimov
Written by Kinsey Marker – Webmaster
As a result of his parents’ incessant pushing to give music a try, junior Kevin Kasimov began his career as a musician.
While exploring different instruments, he finally found his niche six years ago when he started playing the saxophone. Kasimov finds the sound of jazz more unique and exciting than that of other genres of music.
Kasimov decided to take his love for the saxophone to the next level three months ago when he and three of his friends created the Calabasas Quartet. Kasimov found a passion for music at a young age, and that zeal for jazz now orchestrates his life.
“We all share a common passion for music,” said Kasimov. “A devotion to hard work, a sense of responsibility to each other and the relentless drive to become better are what makes this group cohesive.”
Because two of Kasimov’s band members are graduating high school in June, both Kasimov and Klein will be looking to find dedicated musicians to fill those slots.
