Sentinel's Jazz Bands at the Pumpkin Fest

On Sunday, October 5, the West Vancouver Community Centre was alive with the sights, sounds, and smells of autumn at the annual Pumpkin Fest, one of the community’s most beloved fall traditions. Thousands attended this year’s event, which featured a pumpkin patch, pony rides, farm animals, food trucks, and dozens of other family-friendly activities. Right in the middle of it all, our very own Sentinel Secondary Jazz B and Jazz A bands, conducted by our music director Mr. Zoltan Virag, brought music that tied the festival together.

The sunny weather only added to the magic. With the first leaves beginning to turn and fall and the smell of treats in the air, music carried across the festival grounds, creating a soundtrack for the day’s activities. Many people who hadn’t planned to stop by found themselves drawn in, forming a crowd, listening and cheering for the bands. For students in Jazz A and Jazz B, it was a chance to share all their hard work with the broader community—and the community responded with enthusiasm.

Jazz B kicked things off at 11:50 in the morning with a dynamic set that included the smooth swing of Satin Doll, the ballad Here’s That Rainy Day, and the fiery energy of Woodchoppers Ball. They kept the momentum going with Fast Break before closing with the instantly recognizable rock-jazz crossover Louie Louie. For many in the audience, the mix of familiar standards and upbeat rhythms was the perfect soundtrack for a fall afternoon.

At 12:20, Jazz A took the stage. Their program was equally exciting, opening with the swinging Stompin’ at the Savoy and moving into the soaring melodies of How High the Moon. The band delivered a soulful rendition of Summertime, captured the Latin rhythms of A Night in Tunisia, and finished with the bebop classic Yardbird Suite. Each piece gave soloists a chance to shine, earning loud applause and cheers from the crowd.

Performances like these show why Sentinel’s music program is such a cornerstone of not just the school, but also the community as a whole. Beyond the rehearsals, our bands are active in the wider community, participating in events ranging from cultural festivals to local fundraisers. The Sentinel Music Program, which is also active on Instagram (@sentinel_band), regularly shares student achievements and highlights, building school spirit and showcasing the hard work of our musicians. Pumpkin Fest was a chance for the bands to represent Sentinel on a big stage and give back to the community that supports them.

And if you were there at Pumpkin Fest and loved it—or if you missed the chance—you won’t have to wait long for their next performance. On Thursday, October 16, 2025, Sentinel will host the first of its series of annual Jazz Cafés, one of the music program’s most anticipated events of the year. Our library will be transformed into a cozy jazz club, complete with café tables, warm lighting, and a relaxed, festive atmosphere. Students, families, and community members are all welcome to enjoy an evening of music from both Jazz A and Jazz B, plus other ensembles from our music program.

Events like Pumpkin Fest prove how much live music can transform a community gathering, and Sentinel’s bands are at the heart of that. With the mix of sunshine, fall colours, and great music, October 5 was a day to remember. Now, all eyes (and ears!) turn to Jazz Café. If Pumpkin Fest was any indication, our upcoming concert will be something special—so mark your calendars, bring your friends, and get ready for a night of jazz you won’t forget.