Jazz Band

Jazz Band – by audition only.  Open to 10,11,12 graders.

Jazz Band is an advanced two semester class, which focuses on various jazz, rock and popular styles of music.  They perform extensively in the community, at festivals, school concerts, and the Spring Trip.  Instrumentation for Jazz Band is limited to the following. 2 Alto Saxes, 2 Tenor Saxes, 1 Baritone Sax, 4 Trumpets, 4 Trombones, 1 Drum-set, 1 Bass Guitar, 1 Guitar, 1 Piano.  If selected, students are expected to maintain their high level of musicianship through private lessons and practice.  They also need to commit to possible after- school rehearsals, extra concerts, and other events. 

Jazz Band Audition requirements –

Winds - Bb Blues Scale, F Blues Scale, Jazz Solo   Improvisation using the 12 bar Bb Blues progression, and Sight-reading.  (Jamey Aebersold’s “How to play Jazz and Improvise” is a great resource.  ANY Aebersold book is good)

Guitar – 2- Solos (one MUST be Jazz-blues).  Improvise using 12 bar Bb Blues progression.  Sight-reading.

Bass – 2 Solos (one MUST be Jazz-blues) – 1 Walking bass line in 12 bar F blues progression.  Sight-reading

Drum-set – Swing Pattern, Bossa Nova Pattern, Funk pattern, (all with a steady tempo) Solo, and Sight-reading.

Piano – Same as Winds and Guitars as well as playing chords and “comping.”

We require that student purchase a Jazz Shirt. ($20.00) We do fundraising throughout the year to help students earn credits, which help to offset these costs.
Jamey Aebersold books can be found online at www.jazzbooks.com or Pedrini’s music and Pasadena’s Old Town Music.

2013-2014 Auditions will be the week of April 1st-12th.  Check back for audition forms or email Mr. Schick at Mschick@gusd.net