Join the Inaugural Walker West Big Band | Launching Fall 2026
There’s a feeling you only get when 18 musicians lock into a groove and that first wall of brass hits you in the chest. It’s loud, it’s soulful, and it’s a sound that has been missing from our side of the river for way too long.
St. Paul families shouldn’t have to cross the metro just to find a high-level jazz experience. That’s why we’re launching the Walker West Big Band. We’re building a premier Jazz Orchestra right here in the heart of Rondo—giving our students a chance to lead the section and own the stage in their own neighborhood.
The Walker|West Way
We don’t just hand you a folder of music and tell you to play. We focus on the skills that turn a student into a complete musician.
- Dedicated Sectional Instruction: We believe in the power of the section. Our schedule includes monthly “deep-dive” sessions where you work specifically with instrument specialists. This is where you master the phrasing, blend, and technique that makes a big band sound professional.
- The Discipline of the Pro: Through our focus on technical literacy and ear training, you’ll develop the “musical IQ” needed for college auditions and professional stages.
- Improvisation First: We don’t hide our soloists. Our program is designed to get you out of the sheet music and into the spotlight, developing your own voice within the power of a full ensemble.
Who We’re Looking For
We are scouting the best young talent from St. Paul, Woodbury, Roseville, and the surrounding suburbs.
- Age & Grade: Open to students in late middle school through high school.
- The 18-Seat Roster:
- The Saxes: 2 Altos, 2 Tenors, 1 Bari (The “Super Sax” section).
- The Brass: 4 Trumpets, 4 Trombones (The Powerhouse).
- The Rhythm Section: Piano, Bass, Drums, and Guitar (The Heartbeat).
The Details
- Season: September to June.
- When: Saturdays at 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM.
- Where: Walker West Music Academy.
- Structure: Three full-band rehearsals per month; one dedicated sectional rehearsal per month.
- Investment: $575 Per Year.
Come Build a New Tradition in Rondo
Walker West has always been a pillar of the Rondo neighborhood, and this Big Band is the next chapter in our story. We aren’t just practicing in a room; we are carrying forward a legacy of excellence and soul that defines St. Paul music.
Getting a seat in this ensemble is about more than just playing the notes on the page. We’re looking for musicians with a mature tone, the sight-reading skills to handle complex charts, and the heart to step up and improvise when the music calls for it.
Don’t let the Minneapolis side have all the fun. Come build a new tradition in the Rondo neighborhood of St. Paul.
Limited to 18 spots. Secure your place in the legacy.
Meet the Directors
Solomon J. Parham | Co-Director
A native of Detroit, Solomon J. Parham is a premier trumpeter and educator whose musical foundation was built under the mentorship of Motor City legend Herbie Williams. Solomon brings a “pro-standard” pedigree to the Walker West Big Band, having performed alongside undisputed giants of the genre—including Delfeayo Marsalis, Roy Hargrove, Christian McBride, and Terrence Blanchard, to mention a few.
His approach to the Big Band is rooted in the “Lead Trumpet” philosophy: a focus on impeccable phrasing, section unity, and the powerful, articulate brass playing that defines the Great American Jazz Orchestra. A former Director of Bands with a Master’s Degree from McNally Smith, Solomon specializes in the “mentor-performer” model, training young musicians to navigate the complexities of a Big Band chart with the confidence and soulful discipline of a professional.
Ryan Freitas | Co-Director
Ryan Freitas is a career multi-instrumentalist, composer, and educator who approaches the Big Band from the “engine room” out. Forged in the legendary jazz trenches of Detroit before making Minneapolis his home, Ryan spent nearly a decade cultivating a professional reputation for technical precision and soulful, pocket-driven groove.
As a director, Ryan specializes in the mechanics of the rhythm section. He focuses on the specific chemistry required to lock the piano, bass, drums, and guitar into a singular, driving force that supports the full 18-piece orchestra. His background as a composer and producer gives him an architectural understanding of big band music, allowing him to help students decode complex charts and find their individual voices within a dense ensemble texture. At Walker West, Ryan is dedicated to pushing students beyond the notes on the page, fostering the professional “musical IQ” and improvisational instincts required for the modern stage.
