After nearly a month of confusion over Jazz Band’s leadership, former Panther Marching Band student teacher and recent Temple University graduate Ms. Camille Bachman has begun rehearsals with the 2025-2026 Jazz Band.
On Tuesday, January 6, an announcement was posted on the Jazz and Modern Band schoology group from band director Mr. Nicholas Pignataro, reading: “Jazz Band auditions are now live! Please complete by Tuesday, January 13th. I’m happy to tell you Ms. Bachman, recent student teacher and now graduated music teacher, will teach Jazz 1 and 2!”
Exactly two weeks later, another announcement from Pignataro: “Jazz Band Rehearsals will start in the next few weeks, but NOT on January 21st. SHHS is working out scheduling and the instructors for Jazz Band — stay tuned!”
The next month? Radio silence.
Past jazz band students weren’t really sure what to expect; most were in the marching band in the fall and were familiar with Ms. Bachman, but didn’t have a very clear understanding of her teaching style or experience. Modern band had already been up and running since December, around when jazz band usually starts. After three months, they had their first rehearsal on February 25.
“There was a lot of confusion. I think many people were just curious about what exactly was going on,” freshman trumpet player Charlotte Garson said. “I know a lot of people who are in jazz band and really love it, so we were eager to get back into it.”
Pignataro had run jazz band on Wednesday nights for the past several years, adding yet another responsibility onto his plate.
“I just don’t have a night available to teach [jazz band],” Pignataro said. “I have five nights a week in which I’m doing rehearsals or working, and I just literally can’t do it anymore.”
Ms. Camille Bachman is a recent Temple University graduate and former student teacher with the marching band, giving her a sense of familiarity with Strath Haven before taking on jazz band.
“It was amazing to see how the program is run, and to collaborate with the students and faculty. I am really happy to be back with the jazz band,” Bachman stated in an email. “It’s a lot different from marching band, since the jazz band is smaller, and a completely different style of music. It’s awesome to connect more with the students and hear a different side of their musical abilities.”
Despite the complications with the change in leadership, as well as some former jazz students leaving the ensemble, Garson remains optimistic and excited for the current Jazz Band season.
“I’m excited for our performances. I think it’s so fun to get to play for a crowd,” Garson said. “I’m especially excited to just get even more used to the music.”
The change in leadership wasn’t the only big change being made to jazz band. Formerly, the band was split into Jazz 1 and Jazz 2, each coming with their own set of songs as well as performance opportunities. However, this year, jazz band is now one combined band rather than two, making for a unique experience for both returning jazz band members and Bachman herself.
“There’s pros and cons to [having one jazz band], but I’ve personally really enjoyed it,” Bachman stated. “No matter what skill level you come in, everyone has something they can bring to the band and grow as a musician.”
Pignataro is looking forward to Bachman’s impact on jazz band this school year.
“I watched her flower and grow [as a student teacher],” Pignataro said. “She’s the most skilled conductor. [Bachman] had the best technique of leading an ensemble of any student teacher I’ve had… I really love jazz and I really love working with jazz band, but I’m glad they have Ms. Bachman, because she’s pretty awesome.”
