Music is an integral part of our lives; it is viewed as a form of self-expression and a means of connection within communities. Music can allow one to forget their worries and relax, allowing them to feel free and grounded. The ability to evoke such feelings in their audience is what The Blue Wind, Cardozo’s first rock band in four years, hopes to achieve.
“The Blue Wind symbolizes a free mind,” the band explained. “Our music is meant to make you feel carefree and present — like you’re truly living.”
The band consists of four members: Haley Fraser, grade 12, lead vocalist, Esther Kim, grade 12, rhythm guitarist and backing vocalist, Paschalis Petrinas, grade 12, electric guitarist, and Owen Cassano, grade 11, bass guitarist.
The band originally started from Fraser. She had hopes and desires of starting a band and decided to propose the idea to Kim, who agreed and recommended to have Petrinas join. Upon joining, Petrinas decided to drag in Cassano, as he knew Cassano really wished to perform. From there, The Blue Wind was born.
The group plays with the intention of making many fun memories for their last year of high school. “What’s our goal? Just to have fun, live in the moment, and make this senior year unforgettable,” band members shared.
Each member of the band has had a deep connection to music since childhood, and many of them were inspired to get into music by their family members. Fraser grew up in a Jamaican household, with music always being a part of her life. Her move to the United States allowed her to explore and pursue her love for music even more.
Kim, on the other hand, was inspired by her mother’s piano playing. She had always wanted to learn and play different instruments and various genres. Petrinas started to dabble in music with the Greek Bouzouki, an instrument similar to a lute, at age 11. He later moved on to the guitar in high school. Lastly, Cassano grew up in a musical household with both his father and grandfather playing the guitar, which inspired him to play both the bass and the guitar since elementary school.
The band first made their musical debut at Cardozo’s multicultural show this year, and also participated in the Battle of the Voices daytime show this Spring. In addition, The Blue Wind is planning to perform at the school’s Spring Concert on June 11th.
More of the band can be seen on their Instagram page, @thebluewind26, where they post song covers, behind-the-scenes, introductions of each member, and more. “Don’t be afraid to cheer us on,” the band enthusiastically shared.
