By Jerry Peng
Ilhan Saferali is one of the most prodigal students in the music department, playing at such a level that he does not even have to practice for normal Senior Jazz Band pieces. This year, the pieces were higher in difficulty so that Ilhan would have some interest in playing them. With “How do I Look in Blue” challenging his range, “Jumpin’ at the Woodside” testing his speed, and “Moanin’” provoking his focus.
Though Ilhan plays the trumpet in Jazz band, he also plays the piano, pursuing a Piano Major in university. The piano was actually the first instrument Ilhan picked up, starting to practice when he was only four years old. It was shortly after when he turned nine that he began showing interest in the trumpet as well.
Ilhan has established a strong position in the Senior Jazz band, being a part of “My OG Crew” as Mr. Smith likes to say. His amazing trumpet playing and friendly personality make him one of the most approachable people in the Senior Jazz band. He is open-minded but confident; he often changes the sheet music from what it’s supposed to sound like to what he would like to hear. Though sometimes his conversations and banter with Graydon Cronk can lead the class off-topic, it makes everyone laugh and lightens the mood under the heavy atmosphere of Senior Jazz. Ilhan has really connected with many of his peers, as he feels that the best role models can be found in the people around him. The students in the Senior Jazz Band trust Ilhan and I’m sure he feels the same. After graduating from Collingwood, Ilhan said that he would miss his teachers the most, as he had made meaningful connections with them and will definitely miss their support and guidance.
When asked what his dream job would be, Ilhan responded that he would like to become a travelling band leader. His band would be known all across the world and go around playing music that made people both understand him and become happy. His trumpet playing demonstrates this, as whenever you hear Ilhan play, you seem to feel a smile creeping up your face. Ilhan often plays at “Café Deux Soleils,” where you can find him performing and have a great time. Though Ilhan would like to become a travelling band leader, I believe that it is the different musicians around the world that drives him to do this. Reflected by his enjoyment of the Idaho music trip, Ilhan seems to enjoy a competitive atmosphere over entertainment and beautiful sights.
Ilhan has been an irreplaceable member of our Senior Jazz Band, putting all the more pressure on whoever has to follow up in his place next year. His contributions towards Collingwood in the Arts branch will be remembered as he makes his way into the world. Though this year he did not get to perform in an end-of-the-year concert, I hope he had a great graduating year at Collingwood and wish him all the luck in future prospects.
Ilhan’s recordings and albums he plays in can be found on his Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/ilhan-saferali
Ilhan Saferali is one of the most prodigal students in the music department, playing at such a level that he does not even have to practice for normal Senior Jazz Band pieces. This year, the pieces were higher in difficulty so that Ilhan would have some interest in playing them. With “How do I Look in Blue” challenging his range, “Jumpin’ at the Woodside” testing his speed, and “Moanin’” provoking his focus.
Though Ilhan plays the trumpet in Jazz band, he also plays the piano, pursuing a Piano Major in university. The piano was actually the first instrument Ilhan picked up, starting to practice when he was only four years old. It was shortly after when he turned nine that he began showing interest in the trumpet as well.
Ilhan has established a strong position in the Senior Jazz band, being a part of “My OG Crew” as Mr. Smith likes to say. His amazing trumpet playing and friendly personality make him one of the most approachable people in the Senior Jazz band. He is open-minded but confident; he often changes the sheet music from what it’s supposed to sound like to what he would like to hear. Though sometimes his conversations and banter with Graydon Cronk can lead the class off-topic, it makes everyone laugh and lightens the mood under the heavy atmosphere of Senior Jazz. Ilhan has really connected with many of his peers, as he feels that the best role models can be found in the people around him. The students in the Senior Jazz Band trust Ilhan and I’m sure he feels the same. After graduating from Collingwood, Ilhan said that he would miss his teachers the most, as he had made meaningful connections with them and will definitely miss their support and guidance.
When asked what his dream job would be, Ilhan responded that he would like to become a travelling band leader. His band would be known all across the world and go around playing music that made people both understand him and become happy. His trumpet playing demonstrates this, as whenever you hear Ilhan play, you seem to feel a smile creeping up your face. Ilhan often plays at “Café Deux Soleils,” where you can find him performing and have a great time. Though Ilhan would like to become a travelling band leader, I believe that it is the different musicians around the world that drives him to do this. Reflected by his enjoyment of the Idaho music trip, Ilhan seems to enjoy a competitive atmosphere over entertainment and beautiful sights.
Ilhan has been an irreplaceable member of our Senior Jazz Band, putting all the more pressure on whoever has to follow up in his place next year. His contributions towards Collingwood in the Arts branch will be remembered as he makes his way into the world. Though this year he did not get to perform in an end-of-the-year concert, I hope he had a great graduating year at Collingwood and wish him all the luck in future prospects.
Ilhan’s recordings and albums he plays in can be found on his Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/ilhan-saferali
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