Clark Magnet High School, known for its emphasis on STEM education since its founding in 1998, has recently enhanced its arts program by establishing its first ever official music class: Jazz Band. This unexpected development was sparked by a district email with an offer for a baby grand piano donation. Clark’s Principal Mark Rubio requested the piano and voilà! The introduction of this piano set other wheels in motion.
Creating the Jazz Band required more than just enthusiasm—it needed the right leadership. Mr. Vardan Mikayelyan not only introduced the idea of the jazz band but also had a passion for music and held the necessary credentials to teach it as an official class. With his guidance, the Jazz Band officially launched, marking a milestone in Clark Magnet’s history.
“[Teaching the Jazz Band] was something I’ve wanted to do for a while. We had the talent, facilities, and passion at Clark, but we didn’t have the band. Our main motivation for adding this to our curriculum was to provide the opportunity for those wanting to display their musical abilities and build a very cool project,” Mr. Mikayelyan said.
(Marina Davtyan)
For students like senior Evlana Panelli, a flute player and member of the Jazz Band, the program has been a breath of fresh air. “Being part of a group that is so different from the STEM-focused classes at our school has served as a refreshing change of pace,” Panelli said. “I personally love STEM, but being a part of a group that differs from it serves as a creative outlet for me.”
The Jazz Band not only gives students the opportunity to create art and express their instrumental skills, but also provides a sense of community and collaboration. “I think adding a jazz band to our school is such an exciting step. It’s a wonderful way to explore new styles and give more students a chance to shine musically,” junior Savannah Newman said.
“We’ve been trying out different songs and genres, and we’re always doing
(Marina Davtyan)
something new to get to the next level. Not only because the students are so talented, but also because we all love what we’re doing, I would say that we’re making a lot of big strides in the right direction,” Mr. Mikayelyan said.
At a school where students frequently engage in individual research projects or technical pursuits, the band provides an opportunity to build teamwork through a mutual appreciation for the arts. Students and teachers alike are excited to see some live performances at Clark featuring their very own students.
Mr. Rubio views the new jazz band as a crucial addition to the school’s offerings. “Clark students are so multi-talented, and even though we emphasize STEM, there’s no reason we can’t have more opportunities in the arts. Introducing the arts gives the students an opportunity to express themselves and gives them another area of the brain to exercise,” Mr. Rubio said.
The band has already started rehearsals, each member excited to showcase their talents. Their debut performance was on Thursday, December 5, 2024, and on December 12th, the Jazz Band will be performing at Glendale Community College’s Civic Auditorium. “I think the band completely paints a new perspective on what Clark is and what it has to offer to students. Clark is mainly viewed as a STEM school, and I think this performance shows how much more our school has to offer,” freshman Lincoln Cullen said. For many, it marks the first step toward a more balanced academic environment—one that values creativity alongside technical skill. As the Jazz Band continues to grow, a shift is taking place at Clark Magnet High School, where STEM is becoming STEAM, demonstrating how technical learning can thrive alongside the arts
