Mueller began this quartet in his junior year with graduate Ryan Lofstrom as his bass player, who has since been replaced by Berl.

“I asked [Armstrong, Prospero, and Lofstrom] last year if they would be willing to play in a more advanced combo, or quartet, with me, learning more difficult compositions at a higher pace than the regular PHS jazz band could offer us,” Mueller said.

The four practiced together until Lofstrom went away to college, leaving an open spot for Berl. Though content with the chemistry the first four had, Prospero does not mind the change.

“Josh brings a lot of energy in his playing, especially in his solos. He also helps us out with the ladies after shows,” Prospero said.

The new four, naming themselves the DDG Quartet, otherwise known as the Duck Duck Goose Quartet, have become more dedicated over the past four months.

“I think it happened because this year everyone is a little more serious about music and we all became closer friends,” Mueller said. “We strive to meet at least two times a week, for one to two hours. This goal is not always met though.”

They each specialize in their own instrument to create harmony as a jazz band.

“I shred the drums, Seb plays the sexy saxophone, Xavi rips the axe, and Josh fingers the bass,” Armstrong said.

Berl sees their combined talents as successful for their music.

“We have great chemistry together and people can see it and hear it when we play. We are always listening to each other and are always very much in sync,” Berl said.

The group gained publicity after their first performance together when they opened a show for the school’s jazz band. Since then, they have played benefit shows and are soon going to be playing at a bar.

“We will play anywhere. We just like to jam,” Armstrong said.

As word of their quartet spreads, the boys are in higher demand, and their practices change focus.

“The practices leading up to gigs will usually be more oriented around learning music for those gigs,” Mueller said. “However, when we don’t have a gig to prepare for, our practices usually consist of us jamming on the charts we each want to play and having a good time.”

Piedmont resident Andrea Swenson was in charge of a fundraiser on Nov. 8 at the Piedmont Community Center. An acquaintance recommended the DDG Quartet to her for this Piedmont Educational Foundation Empty Nest Party.

“They were fabulous. Everybody loved them,” Swenson said.

In this particular event, senior Cooper Wetherbee joined them as well. He and sophomore Talya Swensen sometimes participate with the band.

“[Wetherbee] sits in with us. He is not in the band, but he plays four songs with us,” Armstrong said.

Similarly, Swensen will be singing in a Christmas album of holiday songs that the DDG Quartet is composing.

From Armstrong, also the drummer of the pop punk band, Emily’s Army, there is assurance that the DDG Quartet is not replacing his other one.

“Emily’s Army is what I do. Jazz is what I’m learning,” Armstrong said.