Six professional musicians are in Wenatchee this week for the 14th annual Wenatchee Jazz Workshop. The professionals will work with middle and high school music students from Wenatchee and Eastmont all week, and the week will end with two concerts.

The first concert features The LA6, a small combo group made up of the participating professionals. The concert is at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 6. The second concert is the students and the pros playing together, at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 7. The musicians that make up the “LA6” are bassist Jeff D’Angelo, saxophonist Tom Peterson, drummer Dick Weller, pianist Rich Eames, trombonist Ira Nepus, and trumpeter Clayton Jenkins.

Both students and WHS band teacher Jim Kovach expressed their appreciation for the workshop, specifically about working with the pros.

“It’s inspiring for kids who want to go on [and be professional musicians,]” Kovach said. Having one professional for each musical instrument section helps the students gain a more thorough understanding of the music, Kovach said.

Sophomore Kevin Wilson has been participating in Jazz Workshop for four years. He plays alto saxophone and he said that Jazz Workshop has helped him greatly over the years.

“They teach you different things,” Wilson said. “Stuff you wouldn’t ever know how to play.”

Junior Matthew Terry has also been in Jazz Workshop in the past. “It’s a once in a lifetime experience that I get to have once a year,” Terry said.

The program was created by Jeff Sandberg Sr., a Wenatchee musician who wanted to help students. Now the program is produced by committee chairperson Gina Jans.

Jans has been involved with the workshop since her son got involved during the first year of the workshop. Since then, she has stuck with the program and has been the executive producer for eight years. Jans said that the program is important in both inspiring and educating the students.

“We want to show them if you work hard you can achieve your dreams,” she said, citing the professional jazz musicians as people who have reached their goals of playing music for a living.