Today we’d like to introduce you to Jared Cruz Carbajal.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Jared. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
My name is Jared Cruz-Carbajal. I am a musician/artist and specialize in various types of music. What I am known for, and sets me apart from others is having a strong personality and my passionate playing abilities.
Born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, I Grew up in a low income neighborhood with a single mother. In fear I would join gangs and get involved in negative activities, my mother kept me involved in music and dance (Folklorico). I started playing music in the third grade with the saxophone because it was the closest instrument that could replicate the blow horn in the San Jose Sharks games! Early on I was self driven and motivated to succeed in music. During my middle and high school years, I accomplished being a four year member of the Santa Clara County Honor Band, the California All-Northern Honor Bands, and the California All-State Honor Bands. I also got to march and represent California in the Washington DC Memorial Day Parade!
I discovered my true passion for music working four seasons as a contracted musician at California’s Great America. I wanted to make people happy! Here I became a part of many acts such as The Hometown Jam Band, Summer Night Swing and Hot Rhythm Nights! In the summer of 2019, I became a member of the Disneyland All-American College Band. In this group not only did I get to share the Disney magic on stage everyday with esteemed peers, but I also had the opportunity to record at the world renowned Capitol Records and play with world class jazz musicians such as Gordon Goodwin, Wayne Bergeron, Sal Lozano, Jiggs Whiggham and Greg Fields.
At San Diego State University I am a proud member of the Wind Symphony, Symphony Orchestra and Jazz Ensemble. With the SDSU Jazz Ensemble, I had the great pleasure of touring in Europe, premier with the JAZZTECS album and also been able to perform with jazz masters such as Jeff Hamilton, Jon Faddis, Ernie Watts, Christopher Hollyday, Matt Harris and Kristen Korb!
I am also a member of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, a music fraternity with the soul purpose of improving the livelihood of musical students and advancing music in America. Through this fraternity I had the opportunity to be the musical director of a twenty five member choir that went out frequently to perform throughout the San Diego area.
Outside of the university you can find me playing in various commercials, Jazz/Pop/Latin/Rock/Reggae bands, musicals, teaching private lessons and listen to my voice on 88.3 KCSM Jazz radio station! I am a proud member of a rock band called Flower Animals, Rude Creation and the A1 Jazz Organ Trio. Most recently, I got to debut on the San Diego KUSI news with reggae band Rude Creation, appear in a music video for a Cumbia group called Los Jefes de Amor and got to play for the ABC T.V Show “Schooled.”
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Aside from my accomplishments, not everything was so easy growing up. I had to overcome many challenges growing up. The most difficult challenge I overcame was watching my home burn down in the 3rd grade. This marked a rough trail of insecurity for my family as shortly after we had to live in many different homeless shelters, rooms and apartments for a long period of time. My mother was always busy with work so I was forced to become self driven and reliant on my own. In fear I would join gangs and get involved in negative activities, my mother kept me involved in music, sports, mock trail, dance (Folklorico), and the Boy Scouts while she worked as a house cleaner and taught dance classes.
Growing up in a low income household, I’ve never been able to afford private lessons or own my own instruments until very recently. When I started playing music, I was constantly switching musical instruments because I would lose the lottery to get to play the instrument I wanted. Thankfully, this worked in my favor because I can except gigs on almost any woodwind instrument now.
Can you give our readers some background on your music?
My music is heavily influenced by jazz and hip-hop. At my time with California’s Great America, I was known to make “jazz version’s” of popular songs of the year. Because of this, my musical style of composition became formulaic in the sense that they have intense harmonies and chord progressions but also feels and structured like a pop song. I am excited to announce that the next big projects I have planned are my senior recital on March 21st and a debut EP release “Emergence” in the following month. This EP will include original compositions and two “reimagined jazz” covers.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
I have been very fortunate to have very passionate band directors and mentors. I owe the ignition of my musical life to my middle school band director Mr. Bowman. I’ll never forget the sacrifice he gave to me spending hours listening to me and motivating me to record my auditions for honor bands. To my high school band director Dr. Mckenzie, for pushing me to the edge with my playing and placing me in as many performing opportunities as possible.
During my senior year of high school, I had the opportunity to play at the Hedley Club in San Jose every Thursday night back in 2016. One night I had a strange man approach me and ask me who was my private teacher? I responded I had never had one before. Little did I know I was speaking to the director of music at Valley Christian Dr. Marcus Wolfe. Not only did he offer to give me free lessons, he also gifted me my first saxophone and helped me apply to college as a music student. Without my early directors and mentors my musical career wouldn’t have happened or would’ve ended very early.
Shoutout to my current mentors Christopher Holliday and John Rekovics. My passion for music and ability to play has grown immensely with their guidance.
To my musical directors at California’s Great America Dolores Duran-Cefalu, Ricky Hall and Disney’s Chris Smith, and Linda Simmons who would constantly tell me “If you can see it, you can be it.” Nothing means more in the world when the two most respected people in your life tell you they believe in you and that you can accomplish anything.
My mother is also a key factor of why I am any successful. Growing up I didn’t have to worry about bills getting paid or where the next meal was coming from. I am very fortunate to have such a motivating, creative, and loving mother.
All of my mentors and teachers help me achieve my goals to inspire the next generation of musicians. By being a recognized leader in school and an example of success, I hope to inspire musicians who are seeking opportunity in entertainment.
Contact Info:
- Address: 5260 Joan Ct.
- Website: jaredcarbajal.com
- Phone: (408)903-7390
- Email: jcruz664@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jared_carbajal/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jared.cruz.568
- Other: https://jaredcruz70.wixsite.com/mysite-2?fbclid=IwAR2qxuWo34DpO9G0QMNn1jA7AaQHAMmr6_yw_lJ0y49lpKC3_3ULfbhJetA
Image Credit:
Richard Takanaga, Anastasya Korol, Dolores Duran-Cefalu, Joshuat Nava
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