Jammin’ Joey: A feature on Joachim “Joey” Gage

From humble beginnings behind the scenes to a spotlight on the stage, junior Joachim “Joey” Gage, can be found in the band room jamming to jazz chords with bandmates or on the stage rehearsing after school for the musical. 

Gage is a tenor saxophone in both the marching and the jazz band. Recently he has expanded his horizons to theater, playing the role of President John Addams in the high school’s The Addams Family musical.

His passion for music has been instilled in him starting in middle school when he learned how to play the clarinet. 

“I had to play the clarinet before playing alto saxophone because that was my band teacher’s requirement,” Gage said. “After that, I came to Northview and kept playing the alto and loved it.” 

The road to becoming a member of the jazz band wasn’t easy. He switched instruments halfway through freshman year due to a lack of tenor saxophonists. 

“Mr. Wells asked me and other students if we’d want to switch to tenor, I made the switch and I was good at it,” Gage said. “After a while, Mr. Wells saw I was good at it and asked if I wanted to try out for the tenor spot in the jazz band. I worked at it and ended up getting the spot.” 

Gage’s gritty work ethic doesn’t go unnoticed in the jazz band and is appreciated by his fellow band members. One jazz band member in particular taking notice is senior alto saxophonist Ronnie Robinson. 

“He has grown mostly as an individual, he isn’t searching for people to tell him what to do anymore,” Robinson said. “[He] has learned to be more efficient in finding ways to practice.” 

Gage’s connection to jazz has always been rooted in him. His family has a long line of musicians.

“My older brothers both played in the band here at the high school, and my mom played in the marching band here as well,” Gage said. 

Music is his first passion but he also indulges in the theater program at the high school. Starting just this year Gage has joined the 24-hour theater as an actor and loved it. 

“I always thought about doing theater but I was scared of being embarrassed. When I did 24-hour theater I found I was good at improvising and enjoyed it,” Gage said. 

After Gage’s amazing experience during 24-hour theater he ended up signing up for the high school’s musical, The Addams Family. Gage is playing President John Addams. He has worked hard at getting used to the musical environment and senior Liam Price sees his progress. 

“He has adapted to being confident in himself and his lines, which is usually harder for newcomers,” Price said. 

As the musical draws closer and closer to opening night March 14, make sure to look out for Joey Gage on the stage, the jazz sensation and musical extraordinaire.