Live vocals. Stylish instrumentals. Smooth, professional cinematography. These are the defining aspects of a creative musical project by NASH seniors Evan Dozier and Chris Petraglia. Welcome to The Lounge. 

The Lounge aims to produce high-quality covers of jazz standards with student musicians. The project was started in May of 2024.

“When we did the End-of-the-Road video, I realized that Evan and I worked very well together, so I wanted to continue making music videos on a smaller scale,” Petraglia said. 

The duo bring their respective specialties to the productions.

“Usually, I arrange the pieces by writing out all the sheet music for any featured instruments,” Dozier said. “I also set up the interface and wiring for recording.”

Petraglia handles the video production end.

“I’m responsible for capturing the footage we need for each project, as well as the video editing that goes into each of them. I also create the atmosphere as the lighting designer,” he said.

The Lounge’s central focus is on showing off the talent of local musicians.

“The students we feature are often chosen because they are the best out there for what they do,” Petraglia said. “We seek out musicians and singers from a wide selection of local school districts who excel in their respective musical fields.”

Both members find enjoyment in different aspects of their projects. Petraglia said, “My favorite part [of the process] would have to be building connections with other musicians in Pittsburgh” while Dozier added, “I enjoy the atmosphere of creating music with other musicians.” 

The two have posted close to ten productions on their YouTube channel so far, and while the two producers are proud of each video, one stands above the others.

“The cover that we’re most proud of is ‘The Girl From Ipanema,'” Dozier said.

Petraglia added, “It was the most wide-ranging in terms of instruments. It was the most enjoyable shoot because everyone there was cool and fun to be around. They were some of the most talented musicians I’ve met through The Lounge.”

The process of getting from planning to a final product is no doubt laborious for the two.

“Scheduling and finding a time when everyone involved can work together is the trickiest part,” Petraglia said. “[Each production] typically takes around 12-15 hours from start to finish.”

Petraglia plans to study film in college, while Dozier intends to pursue sound engineering. The two have already involved dozens of other student musicians with similar aspirations and talents. To keep up to date with their projects, The Lounge has an Instagram as well as a YouTube channel.