REHEARSAL SCHEDULE FOR 2024-2025

MONDAY NIGHTS 6pm-7pm
WEDNESDAY MORNINGS 7am-8am 
First Rehearsal will be Monday, Sept. 23, 2024

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About the Jazz Band:
The Middle School Jazz Band is a fun and dynamic ensemble where students explore the exciting world of jazz music. Jazz Band offers a unique opportunity to develop your musical talents in a more creative, improvisational setting. Whether you’re interested in playing smooth jazz standards, funky grooves, or fast-paced swing tunes, this group will help you grow as a musician while having a great time!

What is Jazz?
Jazz is a genre of music known for its rhythmic energy, swing feel, and improvisation. In jazz, musicians often have the freedom to express themselves by adding their own style to the music and even creating new melodies on the spot during solos. The Jazz Band will play a variety of styles, including:
• Swing
• Blues
• Latin Jazz
• Funk
• Ballads

Instruments in Jazz Band:
Jazz Band typically includes the following instruments:
• Saxophones: Alto, Tenor, Baritone
• Brass: Trumpet, Trombone
• Rhythm Section: Piano, Guitar, Bass Guitar, Drum Set
• Optional Instruments: Clarinet, Flute, Vibes, and other instruments may be included depending on the music.

If you play an instrument not typically found in jazz band, talk to your band director about how you might participate. Many instruments can adapt to jazz styles!

What You’ll Learn:
In Jazz Band, students will:
• Learn Jazz Basics: Explore the elements of jazz, including swing rhythms, syncopation, and improvisation.
• Play Jazz Standards: Perform well-known jazz songs, learning the history and structure behind them.
• Develop Improvisation Skills: Practice creating solos and expressing yourself musically within the structure of the songs.
• Work as an Ensemble: Jazz Band focuses heavily on listening and responding to other musicians, building strong ensemble playing skills.
• Explore Different Jazz Styles: From big band swing to Latin jazz, you’ll learn a wide variety of styles that highlight different aspects of jazz performance.

Class Structure:
• Rehearsals: Jazz Band will rehearse regularly, typically before or after school, to work on music for upcoming performances. Rehearsals will focus on mastering new pieces, developing improvisation techniques, and honing ensemble skills.
• Small Group Sectionals: Occasionally, students will break into small groups to work on specific skills, such as rhythm section coordination, brass blend, or solo techniques.
• Improvisation Sessions: Part of jazz is improvising! We’ll hold sessions where students can practice soloing over chord changes and learn how to create their own melodies on the spot.

Expectations for Students:
• Commitment to Practice: Jazz Band requires consistent practice, both with the group and individually. Students are expected to practice their parts and solos at home to prepare for rehearsals.
• Active Listening: Jazz is all about collaboration and communication. Students should listen carefully to their fellow musicians and learn to blend their sound within the group.
• Participation in Performances: Jazz Band members are expected to participate in all performances, which may include concerts, school events, and special jazz showcases.

Performances:
The Jazz Band will perform at several events throughout the school year, including:
• Concerts: Jazz Band often performs in the Winter and Spring Concerts, showcasing the pieces learned throughout the year.
• Special Events: You may have opportunities to perform at school assemblies, community events, or even jazz festivals where other schools’ jazz bands perform.
• Jazz Festivals or Competitions: Some Jazz Bands participate in festivals or competitions where they perform for judges and receive feedback.

Why Join Jazz Band?
Jazz Band offers a unique musical experience that’s different from traditional concert band. It’s a chance to:
• Develop New Skills: Improvisation, jazz rhythms, and swing feel will challenge and grow your musical abilities.
• Express Yourself Creatively: Jazz allows you to add your own personality to the music through solos and personal interpretations.
• Be Part of a Tight-Knit Group: Jazz Band members often form strong bonds, working closely together to create an exciting, polished sound.
• Explore a Rich Musical Tradition: Jazz is a style that’s rooted in history, with connections to American culture, blues, rock, and more. Playing jazz opens the door to a deeper understanding of music as a whole.

How to Succeed in Jazz Band:
• Practice Regularly: To feel confident in your parts and solos, it’s important to practice consistently outside of rehearsals.
• Learn to Improvise: Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone! Improvisation may seem intimidating at first, but with practice, it becomes a fun and rewarding experience.
• Be a Team Player: Jazz Band is all about collaboration. Listen to your fellow musicians, stay in sync with the rhythm section, and work as a group to create great music.

How to Join:
To join Jazz Band, students should have experience playing an instrument, typically from Concert Band or private lessons. If you’re interested in joining, talk to the band director for more details on how to sign up and audition if necessary.

Get Ready for a Jazzy Year!
Middle School Jazz Band is a fantastic opportunity to explore a new side of music and perform in a variety of fun, exciting settings. Whether you’re a jazz enthusiast or just curious to try something new, we can’t wait to see the energy and creativity you’ll bring to the group. Let’s swing into a great year of jazz!

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VIDEOS of the ARTHURS JAZZ BAND:

In September of 2015 the Jazz Band was featured on WDIV Channel 4 promoting the Trenton Scarecrow Festival - check out our segment:
https://youtu.be/IPZrazp9znw

Over the years the Jazz Band has performed at the Zal Gaz Grotto in Ann Arbor as guests of the Paul Keller Orchestra - check out these videos:
https://youtu.be/Fl5H5-KUWQg 
https://youtu.be/SvR4YOSSWrw

In 2015 the Jazz Band participated in the Downriver Music Guild Jazz Clinic - check out our set here:
https://youtu.be/RxBGz8gPhiI

In 2019 the Jazz Band applied for the "Perform with Mintzer" program from the Eastman Music Company - check out our submission video here:
https://youtu.be/nV6es7AwtV0

In 2024, the Arthurs Jazz Band performed "From The Start" by Laufey at the annual Arthurs Porch Picnic Concert:
https://youtu.be/8eh7RTLz-_4?si=Vd3rUWl23hLvewHN

DRUMSET
The Art of Bop Drumming: https://zildjian.com/education/john-riley-art-of-bop-drumming-series.html
Zildjian Leanring Zone: https://www.youtube.com/c/ZildjianLearningZone