Talent can be defined as a special natural ability or aptitude that a person possesses. Here at North Penn, there is so much talent flowing around the hallways, and sometimes it goes unnoticed and other times it shines.

Six NPHS juniors have let their musical talent shine. They call themselves Carl and The Hamiltones, and their music has been recognized throughout the community. The band plays a variety of Jazz from Big Band Swing to 1970’s Jazz-Fusion.

The group is comprised of Carl Hamilton on drums, Aparna Mukerji on keyboard, Zach LaValla on bass, Jimmy Dooling on trumpet, Braden Alderfer on saxophone, and Antonio Magalbaes on guitar.

All six of the members were introduced to their instruments while in fourth grade as they joined their elementary and then middle school jazz bands, under the direction of school faculty, Jeff Miller, Ted Heller, Robert Kennedy, and Dave Orehowsky.

About 18 months ago a shared interest in jazz music led to the formation of this band while they were still in 9^th grade. They begged the Penndale Administration to let them play during Penndale’s Blue and White Day. Ever since then, the band practices every Sunday night in a cramped bedroom at Hamilton’s house.

The members all currently play with the North Penn Navy and Columbia Jazz Bands under the direction of Dave DiValentino and Peter Neu. Several members are also mentoring Jordan Wehr’s Gwynedd Square/Inglewood Elementary Jazz Band by attending their practices to work with the students on perfecting their performance skills.

This past summer, the band was booked to perform at the Lansdale Farmers’ Market where they picked up quite a fan base. While strolling around the market, people of all ages stopped by to listen to the music they were playing.

Some said that they “added a really nice atmosphere to the market” and others commented that “they were so good, they had people dancing! It’s so cool to see teenaged kids playing the classics like Glenn Miller.”

Prior to their gigs at the Lansdale Farmers’ Market, Zach LaValla’s father set up a gig for the group to perform in Langhorne, Pa. at the Stabler NeuroRehab Center’s Dedication ceremony featuring former U.S. Representative Patrick J. Kennedy. They all had so much fun and after that performance they decided they wanted to try some regular gigs to showcase their talents.

At their final performance of the season in late September, the band was approached by three businesses inquiring about potential bookings throughout the upcoming months. For starters, Brittany Pointe Estates has booked performances for early 2016 and a local winery is interested in engaging the band for some Saturday evening gigs.

“This is just a fantastic opportunity to be a part of the musical tradition that I love,” shared bandleader, Carl Hamilton.