Welcome all Jazz Band Students!
On this page you will be able to find all relevant postings to your class. All of your schedules, assignments, letters, and study materials will be here for your convenience. On other pages you will be able to find everything that you may need to make your first steps into the music world a positive experience. Welcome to the world of Jazz!
Overview of the Program
Jazz Band students will be exploring the wonderful world of Jazz Music. The materials will allow students to experience the various styles of Jazz, Blues, Dixieland, Big Band, and more! Students can explore the unique aspects of improvisation with the freedom to express themselves musically.
- The items that the students will be using in class are:
- Various Jazz Band Music repertoire
- Multiple supplemental materials for reading, study, and practice
- Performance Selections for concerts
- Solo/Ensemble opportunities
- Improvisation and Composition opportunities
Jazz Band FAQ
What makes Jazz Band different?
When is it taught?
Is Jazz Band hard?
What does Jazz Band look like in the day-to-day?
Who can be in Jazz Band?
Do I have to be in Concert band to be in Jazz Band?
If I want to play guitar or a different instrument in Jazz Band, can I?
- It's a question I get asked often. Jazz Band focuses on the "unwritten" through improvisation, different scales, and different art forms. Much like there's various of kids of literature, Jazz Band is just that - a different literature grouping than what we see in regular band.
When is it taught?
- Jazz Band starts in the second trimester and goes until the end of the year. The course takes place during Flex time.
Is Jazz Band hard?
- It depends, how much do you practice or have interest? Students who are motivated to try because they want to will often find joy in the challenge for something new. Students who practice will also outperform those who do not. So the answer really comes down to how much time and effort will you make in making the class easy? I do not expect everyone to be masters of the craft. This class is to be fun, exciting, engaging, and new. Life is stressful enough. Come have fun in Jazz Band with us.
What does Jazz Band look like in the day-to-day?
- Often, it depends on what we're doing. I give students two days of the week to focus on homework, missing work, get caught up in classes, practice, or work on composition/improvisation opportunities. During the rest of the week we are working on scales, articulations, rhythm patterns, and more specific and unique to Jazz Band. After warm ups, we dive right into the groove of music. Come join if you're interested!
Who can be in Jazz Band?
- Any player in Intermediate and Advanced Band can participate in Jazz Band. Beginning Band students who want to play in our Jazz Band must obtain an invitation by demonstration of skill and knowledge through our Band NinJa Master Program.
Do I have to be in Concert band to be in Jazz Band?
- The answer is yes. Here's the reason: what we learn in Concert Band is often applied to Jazz Band, but it can't always be said to be the same the other way around. What we learn in Concert Band also makes us stronger Jazz musicians.
If I want to play guitar or a different instrument in Jazz Band, can I?
- Tentatively, the answer is yes. I have a lot of students who learn a second instrument for Jazz Band alone. Clarinets often switch to an alto, tenor, or bari. I have flutes who have done the same. Percussionists can play piano as well as kit. I have many others who play Bass Guitar and Electric Guitar as well. A lot depends on how many students we have, who is playing what, and what our balance is. We can't have a jazz band with 15 guitarists and 20 percussionists now can we?
Important Dates!
- January 24th @ 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM at Hawthorne Middle School Gym. All students must wear their band t-shirt and black pants and black shoes.
- Jazz Band Tour (February 27th) all day tour to Wilcox, Chubbuck, and Tyhee Elementary Schools. If you wish to Chaperone, you are welcome to do so.
- May 14th @ 7:15 PM - 8:30 PM at Hawthorne Middle School Gym. All students must wear their band t-shirts, black pants, and black shoes. The Beginning Band Concert begins at 6:00 PM and will go until 6:45 PM. All families and students who wish to attend the beginning band portion of the concert are welcome to.