Boasting 15 talented musicians of all ages and musical backgrounds, the Herriman Jazz Project celebrates a genre of music with its rich history, complex rhythms and improvisational nature. Founded in 2022, the band incorporates swing, funk, Latin and big band music styles to entertain the community. 

“I’ve always wanted to see a jazz band in Herriman and I knew there had been some interest from other musicians,” Lori Green said, Friends of Herriman music chair.  “It was meant to provide musicians a chance to play, a place for musicians in the community to practice and participate and have fun.”

From the wail of a saxophone to the interplay between bass and piano, jazz music has an origin deeply rooted in history with African traditions, Creole culture and Caribbean influence. Jazz legends like Miles Davis and Ella Fitzgerald helped the genre evolve and garner more fans. 

The Herriman Jazz Project often performs at Herriman City events, creating a backdrop of fun, syncopated rhythms that the community enjoys. The group receives some funding from the city to perform at the farmers market and Night of Lights, as well as at the J. Lynn Crane Park bandstand.

Melissa Rankin is the band’s director, leading musicians that range in age from eighth grade to retirement. The jazz group brings together people who love playing and performing jazz music. 

“Performing music isn’t just for the top 1%,” Rankin said. “Community music has been a vital part of world cultures throughout history. We all have an innate need to create, share and feel. Many people have dormant talent and experiences that can still bring joy to their lives and the lives of others. That’s what the Herriman Jazz Project represents to me.”

Green said musicians are drawn to jazz music because it’s so much fun to play. Compared to a strict orchestra or concert band, it’s a laid-back environment, and the tunes they perform are fast and catchy. Its repertoire includes classics from early 1900s jazz, plus ballads and rock. The group has performed songs from The Jackson Five, Chicago, Disney and more.

The Herriman Jazz Project holds auditions to keep the band with the right balance of saxophone, trumpet, bass and drum players. Interested musicians can contact Green for audition information at [email protected]. Rehearsals are held on Wednesdays at 8:30 p.m. at Herriman City Hall (5355 W. Main Street). 

“Community bands are important because you learn all these talents growing up and then there’s nothing to do with them,” Green said. “We give people a chance to play, a chance to get out and give people a chance for stress relief. We have moms that this is their only chance to get away and have social interaction with adults.”

The majority of musicians in the group come from Herriman, but people also come from surrounding cities. Brought together for their love of jazz, the group is determined to make music that brings a smile to people’s faces and fosters a sense of unity and belonging. 

“I think there’s a lot of negative in the woarld and this gives a chance for people to bring positive to the world,” Green said. “We sometimes spend more time laughing with one another than we do rehearsing, and that’s good for people’s mental health as well.” λ