Local high school jazz band embarking on major European tour

EL CERRITO, Calif. (KGO) -- A local jazz band made up of high school students is embarking on a major tour of Europe. The El Cerrito High School Jazz Ensemble is heading off to Germany on Monday.

Over the next two weeks, they will perform in renowned jazz festivals like the North Sea in Holland, Montreux in Switzerland and Umbria in Italy. The band auditioned and was picked for each one.

Their conductor says the band's chemistry makes them stand out. "There's a large majority of kids in here that have bought into the idea of making music and doing it together," El Cerrito High School Director of Bands Keith Johnson said. "It's not about them. It's about everybody."

"Our chemistry is really strong and I think that really helps us to be better when we work with really great people," band member Josh Ko said.

The El Cerrito High Jazz Ensemble will have a total of eight performances during their European tour.