Jazz Band & Jazz Ensemble

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    The Jazz Band & Jazz Ensemble are audition-based groups for select students in grades 9 – 12 that meet twice weekly during 10th periods in the large ensemble rehearsal room.  Auditions for these groups will occur during the 3rd week of each new school year and placement in each group will be based on the strength of the audition.  The Jazz Band will rehearse on Wednesdays and Fridays during 10th periods.  The Jazz Ensemble will rehearse on Mondays and Thursdays during 10th period.  It is expected that students will commit to the rehearsal time frame to the best of their ability.  Concert dress is all black (black shirt, pants/skirt and shoes).  Both groups have scheduled performances on the following dates:

     

    December 20, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. in MHS auditorium

    February 3, 2024 (Cabaret Concert) at 7:00 p.m. in MHS Commons

    May 2, 2024 (District Jazz Clinic during school hours)

    May 3, 2024 (District Jazz Festival) at 7:00 p.m. in SHS auditorium

    May 31, 2024 (Small Ensemble Concert) at 7:00 p.m. outside in MHS loading dock (rain location MHS auditorium)

    June 2024 (Port of Pittsford Concert Series) time and date TBD (Jazz Ensemble only)

    June 2024 (Rochester International Jazz Festival Gibbs St. stage) time and date TBD (Jazz Ensemble only)

     

     

    Jazz is the only truly American art form.  With over 100 years of stylistic development, there is a wealth of literature to explore.  It is the goal of the jazz program to not only perform this literature with stylistic accuracy, but to thoroughly explore the language of jazz (chord progressions and scales) in order to speak it (improvise) in a unique, individualistic way.  In order to do this, it is crucial for students to hear the stylistic nuance of the great jazz artists.  I would highly encourage all members of the jazz program to start a collection of big band and jazz combo (small group) recordings (see jazz artists link).  In addition, we are fortunate to live in a city that supports jazz.  I would encourage our students to attend live performances by the talented jazz artists of our community (Eastman concerts and recitals, club and community jazz venues, annual Rochester International Jazz Festival).