Jazz Program

Students WHO ARE ENROLLED IN CONCERT BAND have the opportunity to audition for jazz band. Jazz band plays at community events and on the band concerts (see schedule). Auditions are held in late September, and rehearsals commence in October. Rehearsals are at 7:30 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Performances are generally in the spring semester only.

Jazz promotes creativity through improvisation, independence through individual part assignments, and teamwork through group interaction and performance.  While no grade is given for participation in jazz band, members in good standing (no unexcused absences, no missed performances, come prepared to all rehearsals, display an attitude that facilitates success) will receive points toward their band letter.  All classroom expectations set forth in the instrumental music handbook apply.

 

Students in jazz band will be expected to (objectives):

1. Demonstrate understanding of jazz literature, artists, and history orally and through performance.
2. Gain experience in improvisation and understanding of basic jazz theory.
3. Develop their ears and knowledge of jazz style by listening to professional recordings.

AUDITIONS

Auditions are scheduled for September 25, 2012.  Students should be ready to play a prepared piece assigned by the director, sightread a short excerpt, and play any major scale.  The director may also ask the student to improvise over a B flat or F blues form.  All students (both new and returning) are required to audition in September to determine chair placement as well as membership.  The following comprise the ensemble: drum set, electric/rhythm guitar, bass, piano, trumpets 1-4, trombones 1-4, alto saxophones 1 and 2, tenor saxophones 1 and 2, and baritone saxophone.  The director reserves the right to adjust the make-up of the band based on student and ensemble needs.

Students interested in jazz band are encouraged to LISTEN to professional jazz recordings by artists such as Duke Ellington and Count Basie.  See the director for a complete list of specific artists.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS


*The jazz band will perform at community venues in addition to school concerts.  Because these events depend on the director's communication with interested community members, dates and times will be announced as soon as they are determined.

December 13, 2012 @ 6:30 p.m. – High school vocal/band program in the high school auditorium.
May 3, 2013 @ 6:30 p.m. – High school vocal/band program in the high school auditorium.