Calendar of Events

A jazz ensemble focusing on improvising over chord changes, playing with good time, and other skills needed to perform with others. Emphasis on standard mainstream styles: blues, standards, swing, bebop, AABA forms, ballads and bossa novas.

Students are challenged by slightly faster tempos and more involved tunes. Unusual keys, uncommon tune structures, and more challenging melodies are presented along with standard material. Original compositions are welcome. Scales and modes are presented to be used specifically with the given material. Class focuses on the music of Miles Davis, A.C. Jobim, Art Blakey, Cal Tjader, Oscar Peterson and many “Blue Note” era artists.

An introduction to the saxophone covering fingering, sound production and reading music. Class plays simple saxophone ensemble arrangements.

A 4-8 piece ensemble focusing on Brazilian repertoire by noted composers including Ivan Lins, Dori Caymmi, Toninho Horta, Marcos Silva, Antonio Carlos Jobim and more. Emphasis on listening and performing in the traditional Brazilian style. Vocalists welcome! Audition/consultation required.

A 4-8 piece ensemble focusing on Brazilian repertoire by noted composers including Ivan Lins, Dori Caymmi, Toninho Horta, Marcos Silva, Antonio Carlos Jobim and more. Emphasis on listening and performing in the traditional Brazilian style. Vocalists welcome! Audition/consultation required.

The vocal jazz performance classes focus on repertoire and use class time to develop interpretation, phrasing, improvisation and interaction with accompanists while preparing for an end-of-quarter student performance.