Jazz Ensemble

1 Credit (fees required)

Grades 10 - 12

Audition Required

Pre-requisite: One or more years of band at the High School level is required.  Students will be required to pass a proficiency audition with the Director of Bands which will include all twelve major scales, chromatic scale for the full range of the instrument, a prepared selection and sight reading.

Jazz Ensemble is an advanced-level course.  Emphasis is on performance techniques unique to jazz music and the history of jazz through the study of traditional and contemporary works of jazz music.   In addition, students are required to participate in All-County Band auditions and Virginia Band and Orchestra Directors Association (VBODA) sponsored events such as All‑District Band auditions, Solo & Ensemble Festival and the District Jazz Festival.  Emphasis will be given to music theory as it relates to improvisation and jazz form and structure.  Students will be involved in solo work and small ensembles.  This class will be based on the traditional size of a jazz band, or "Big Band," and is limited in size to the instrumentation needs of the group.  Private lessons, while not required, are very strongly encouraged for members of this ensemble.  Students are required to pay a $25.00 Concert Attire cleaning and maintenance fee. Students are expected to practice an average of 30 minutes per day beyond the regular class time.  

This is a performance based class and will require participation in concerts and other performances and rehearsals outside of class time.