Sven
Sven, a child prodigy from Scandinavia, is the glue that holds the band together. Never annoyed by the Sarge’s overexplanations or outbursts of jargon, he often acts as a translator for the other members. Sven supports and encourages his bandmates, helping them navigate creative blocks and personal challenges. His steady presence helps maintain harmony in the group.
Sven has a keen intellect and a deep understanding of music theory; he enjoys diving into the technical aspects of music and often spends his free time reading scholarly articles or composing complex pieces. His musical talent was evident early on, playing piano by three and composing simple melodies by five. Sven joined the band as part of his music degree requirement: despite clearly communicating this to Sgt. Dork several times, the Sarge doesn’t seem to understand this.
Despite his prodigious talent, Sven remains humble; he’s more interested in music than in seeking fame and recognition. He can spend hours perfecting a piece or working on a new composition, often losing track of time; this is a testament to his passion and commitment to his craft. Outside of music, Sven enjoys hiking and finding inspiration in nature. Sven’s character is defined by his talent, intellectual curiosity, and unwavering support for his bandmates.
Grant Barras began formally studying piano at 5 with an elderly teacher near his home. Following a nearly seven-year stint studying classical music, he dedicated his energy to the modern styles and sounds he had grown to love. At his parents’ urging in high school, he audited for the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts’ jazz program. Here, he learned from and worked with some of the greatest musical minds in New Orleans, learning the history, culture, and importance of the legendary musicians and sounds that originated in one of the United States’ most culturally rich cities. From here, he went on to audition for the Jazz Performance program at the University of New Orleans, where, with a newfound hunger for personal and professional growth, he quickly became a more proficient, confident, and connected musician. Having graduated from UNO in the spring of 2024, Grant strives to make way for himself in the vibrant music scene in which he was raised, hoping to carry on the legacy of New Orleans music and all who played before him.