“All About Jazz” wowed audience memebers on May 2 with performances from the Jazz “A” Band (with Guest Artist Ron Blake), Studio Jazz Band and Jazz Combo bands.

The show not only provided great music, but was a special night honoring the life of Rohith Gopal. Gopal was the Jazz “A” Band’s pianist for two years and passed away earlier this year due to a tragic car accident.

With heavy emotions circulating the air, supporters of the Music Department, family and friends all gathered together under the direction of Brendan McMullin to make the show unforgettable.

The award winning Jazz “A” Band had the unique opportunity to perform with a well known guest trumpet player, Ron Blake. He joined in on several songs with the Jazz Band, giving devoted jazz fans that classic swing and fun feel.

Kip Roberts, an 18-year-old political science major, said that he was a huge fan of jazz and enjoyed the show.

“It’s really nice to hear the students expressing themselves and what not,” said Roberts.

Director Brendan McMullin said he was pleased with how the night turned out and was even more awed and humbled by the tributes displayed to Gopal. The program is working on developing a scholarship in Gopal’s name to bring more dedicated high school students to participate in the program, said McMullin.

“We have a lot of amazing students in our Applied Music program,” stated McMullin. “My hope is to build the reputation of Moorpark College as being the ‘Julliard’ of community colleges.”