Berkeley High JAZZ Alumni
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Trombone
In Memory
Dominic Hernandez
April 2022
We are heartbroken by the recent loss of our beloved friend, student, and bandmate, Dominic Hernandez.
Dominic embodied everything that we hold most dear about BHS Jazz. He loved music passionately. He was the Jazz Ensemble’s beautiful lead trumpet player who led the band with a huge, golden sound and perfect jazz phrasing. He was an exciting soloist whose playing referenced the jazz greats, but was also all his own. Dominic was a leader who made everyone around him sound better, and offered kindness and support to all of us.
Dominic’s dedication to goodness was also evidenced in his work for social justice – he served on BHS Jazz’s Equity and Inclusion Committee, and worked tirelessly mentoring younger music students.
Dominic had a goofy sense of humor, and his smile could light up any room. He was deeply intelligent, and a strategic problem solver. He was unfailingly kind, friendly, and generous. He was a loving son to his wonderful parents, Christina and Jaime, and a great older brother to Nicolas, who is a beloved BHS Jazz bassist.
Dominic came every day to eat lunch with his jazz friends in front of our music portable.
Dominic, we miss you so much! We will never forget you…
Aidan Price
June 2021
It is with great sadness that we share the news of the death of a talented young Berkeley High Jazz musician, Aidan Price, who graduated in 2019. We send our love and sympathy to the Price family, committed members of the BHS Jazz community. Aidan's dad, Rich Price, served as the BHS Jazz Association co-chair and his mom, Caitlin Patterson, volunteered in numerous ways during Aidan's years with the program. His little brother often came along to events and helped out, too.
Information about donations is in this eloquent obituary written by his dad, Rich. (Photo credit: Erin Scott)
