Between the Classics and Innovation: the Jazz Band rhythm

By the INESC TEC Jazz Band

INESC TEC Jazz Band started in 2013, after an internal call at INESC TEC for an audition targeting new members of a band that, apparently, already existed. At that time, Ana Barros (flute) and Sérgio Costa (piano) – former INESC TEC researchers – were founding the band.  

When the first members – Ana Paula Silva (vocals), Gaspar Pacheco (double bass), Pedro Campos (piano) and Rui Rodrigues (percussion) – performed (somewhat timid), we quickly realised that everyone was looking for an occupation, a way to escape from everyday life, and the hassle of our jobs.  

Moreover, most of us didn’t have a formal musical background: we just enjoyed (trying) to play or sing a few notes, and we wanted to improve.  

Therefore, and despite Sergio and Ana’s initial efforts to follow a somewhat professional approach, we realised that things worked better with an informal and more relaxed environment.  

When we started, we had no idea what the group might turn out to be.  

The “mentors” chose some classics to kick things off, and things happened naturally.  

Soon we had our first performance; followed by another. And we realised that we’re part of something serious – even though we only rehearsed one hour per week (or maybe less, considering our conversations during our sessions).  

As we became aware of what we could (and could not) do, we took some risks and tried other things. The repertoire proposal and selection were more or less democratic – except in those cases where someone vetoed a particular suggestion.  

The band faced some challenges throughout its journey, namely regarding the members. Sérgio emigrated shortly after we started the band; Ana and Paula were absent for longer periods, and we welcomed some “recruits”: Pedro Senna (guitar) joined us along the way, and, more recently, we welcomed Susana Barbosa (flute) after Ana left for other endeavours outside INESC TEC. While some of the transitory phases were more challenging than others, it’s comforting to look back and realise that some of them could have dictated the end of the band, but we were able to remain together.  

What keeps this group motivated after (at least) 10 years?  

The informal and relaxed way we interact as a band allows us to improve our personal and social skills, nurture our friendship and have fun playing together.  

Obviously, it’s great to have an audience. During certain more troubled events, it is not always possible; but we feel great pleasure when we are able to create good moments to those who listen to us.  

But what really moves us is our desire to remain like this… and keep loving what we do.  

(note: we did not use any Artificial Intelligence tools to write this text)