Jazz can be described in many different ways. It's a style of music made up of improvisation and passion. BYU-Idaho students Desi Millet and Jackson Campbell describe jazz as being “alive.”
Millet and Campbell perform in Jazz Combos on campus. Millet plays the trumpet and Campbell plays the bass.
They both also play several other instruments and started their musical journeys at young ages. Millet started learning how to play the trumpet when she was in 4th grade. Since both of Campbell’s parents are professional musicians, he learned many instruments as a child. His love for the bass started in 4th grade.
Campbell is studying advanced vehicle systems and Millet is studying social work. Although they are not studying music, they plan on being musicians for the rest of their lives.
“(My dad) would always tell us growing up ‘If you can do anything else, do it because you can always be a musician on the side,’" Campbell said. “You can always play gigs on the weekend, you can always strum your instrument around your house, but you can't be a mortician on the side.”
Playing music is a source of joy for Millet.
“I see myself being able to continue improving and going to jam sessions and being able to play with bands where I can find it, because it’s something that I love and I want to never let go of,” Millet said.
Millet and Campbell look forward to playing with professional musicians this weekend at Jazz Fest. Jazz Fest will be held in the BYU-Idaho Center on Feb. 25.
To buy tickets visit: www.byui.edu/tickets