Junior Jazz Band - Cancelled

MONDAYS 4:30p-5:30p

Prerequisites:  1-3 years of experience on the student’s chosen instrument.  This is an introductory band, so no previous knowledge of the jazz idiom is necessary.

Class Description:  This band is the perfect place for a young musician to explore jazz.  Traditionally the junior jazz band plays in the swing, Latin and funk styles.  The basic blues structure is explored as students will learn how to improvise over these chord changes and others.  Junior Jazz Band performs in the YAA annual winter and spring concerts. This band meets for one hour a week.

Student responsibilities:  20 minutes of instrumental practice daily.  It is highly recommended that all jazz students listen to as much swing and improvised music as possible as this is the only way to fully embrace the style.

To register, print fill out membership form

Intermediate Jazz Band

MONDAYS 5:30p-6:30p

Prerequisites:  2-4 years of experience on the students chosen instrument.  Instructor approval is required for those instrumentalists who did not complete Junior Jazz Band.

Class Description:  Intermediate Jazz Band offers the young musician a complete big band experience including full brass, woodwind, and rhythm sections.  The music selection ranges from standard swing charts to various forms of popular music.  Difficult soli sections are introduced and students have the opportunity to solo over simple blues patterns or more difficult chord progressions.  Intermediate Jazz Band performs in the YAA annual winter and spring concerts. This band meets for one hour a week.

Student responsibilities:  30 minutes of instrumental practice daily.  It is highly recommended that all jazz students listen to as much swing and improvised music as possible as this is the only way to fully embrace the style.

To register, print fill out membership form

Advanced Jazz Band

MONDAYS 6:45p-8:00p

Prerequisites:  As this band is our top jazz ensemble and many students remain in the band for several years, registration is dependant on which instruments are needed.  Students are required to demonstrate a working knowledge of at least four blues scales.

Class Description:  The music selected for this class is on par with the music that would be played in a high school jazz band.  Along with more difficult grooves and textures, the available solo space is often over advanced chord progressions.  More focus is put on creating a unified sound for each section and the ensemble as a whole. Advanced Jazz Band performs in the YAA annual winter and spring concerts with opportunities for outside gigs. This band meets for one hour and fifteen minutes a week.

Student responsibilities:  30 minutes of instrumental practice daily.  It is highly recommended that all jazz students listen to as much swing and improvised music as possible as this is the only way to fully embrace the style.  Soloists in particular should spend extra time honing their skills either with private instruction, Jamey Aebersold play-along exercises or both.

To register, print fill out membership form