Knight Life Jazz Experiment, a seven-piece jazz combo made up of Organ Mountain High School students, will be the featured ensemble at the Mesilla Valley Jazz and Blues Society’s April gathering.

The ensemble is led by Roman Cipriani, a longtime Las Cruces music educator and frequent MVJBS performer. The jazz combo came to fruition in the fall of 2025 when a core group of musicians from OMHS’s Jazz Band 1 showed interest in expanding their jazz education.

“All the students were eager to improve their skills in both jazz style and improvisation,” Cipriani says.

Knight Life musicians meet three times a week during their lunch hour and perform during MVJBS’s monthly jazz jam at Boba Café and Cabaret. April’s monthly gathering performance will be the ensemble’s first full concert on their own.

Musicians include:
Diego Gonzales, alto saxophone
Norah Talbot, baritone saxophone
Lucas Montoya, trombone
Josue Ortega, trombone
Edward Remondini, piano
Gavin Escandon, bass guitar
DeMario Medrano, drum set

Come out to Alma d’Arte Charter High School on Sunday, April 19 to hear the students show off their skills. Knight Life Jazz Experiment will take the stage at 7 p.m., following a 6:30 p.m. social and brief society update. Admission is $5 for MVJBS members and $10 for non-members. Ticketing information is available online at www.mvjazzblues.net/monthly-gatherings.