The room where the jazz band practices is wide and has tall ceilings. At the base of the room, the saxophonist and guitarist play, then behind them, the trumpet players, bongos, drums, electric guitars and the double bass.

Behind Alan Chan, the new Jazz One director, lined above the chalkboard, are a myriad of awards. The room is hot and muggy as one single fan blows hot air across the room, but that doesn’t seem to affect the members at all. The band is full of energy and ready to play.

The band welcomes Jon Minei as the new jazz program director after the death of Christopher Mello. In honor of Mello, his family will be establishing a scholarship in his name, for the hopes that his love for music and education may continue.

Donations will be accepted via checks through mail and through online donation.

According to Mello’s obituary, he died at the age of 38 in June. Mello had a career that included working with big names such as Norah Jones, Vanessa Williams, and The Dixie Chicks.

Chan, an adjunct faculty director of the Jazz One Band, and Minei were asked to take the program into their hands.

“It’s a bit more difficult than running my own, because it is a community band which only meets once a week,” Chan said. “But we spend a lot more time getting used to the environment. But then again, a lot can be done in 16 weeks, and I look forward to the future.”

Chan is also a pianist and conducts his own orchestra as well as accompanying other musicians and during soloist pieces.

“(I practice) two to three hours every day. Weekday, weekend, anytime. And band practices of course,” Enrique Mora-Toro, 21, music and jazz studies major, said.

Mora-Toro also envisions big plans for his future. “I want to have a Banda band or a Jazz combo around the country playing music for people,” he said.

Craig Bohart, 63, chemical engineer major, said he enjoys the band because it’s different from other classes where students feel an obligation to attend.

The jazz band has brought many students together and allows for a creatively open environment. “I love the atmosphere and kids getting together to do something sophisticated,” Mora-Toro said.

Walter Jones, 25, music major, didn’t join the band immediately, but feels a special connection to it now.

“I started with gospel and funk,” Jones said. “My brother plays in our church gospel and encouraged me to start playing.”