Jazz Ensemble

A participation fee and/or instrumental rental fee may be required or included with course fees for listed classes

Jazz Ensemble I (Bingham "Miner Blues" Jazz Ensemble) 1.0 credit FA

Prerequisite: Audition / concurrent enrollment in Concert / Symphonic Band, Marching Band or Percussion Ensemble / Grades 10 - 12

Fees: Course fees / Uniform fees / Tour fees

The Jazz Big Band is an advanced level jazz ensemble. This course provides opportunities to foster and refine musical expression through instrumental performance, analytical/evaluative skills, and aesthetic judgment. Study includes the care and cultivation of a beautiful tone, the ability to read music with fluency, the polishing of performance skills, esprit de corps, and responsible rehearsal habits. Students will have opportunities to experience the spontaneity of improvisation and the creative process of composing. Students will hone listening skills and their ability to analyze and critique music and music performances. Attention will also be given to relating their music experiences to the time and culture of the pieces they study, as well as to contemporary society. Membership is by audition according to ability and limited instrumentation. The Jazz Big Band consists of mainly seniors and juniors, although some sophomores are admitted if their audition warrants it. Players will primarily be taken from the intermediate jazz ensemble at BHS, Jazz Ensemble II, with occasional spots filled from other members of the concert bands as needed. The Band performs music of a more contemporary nature focusing on Jazz, Funk, Fusion and Rock music. The Band performs at various concerts including a Fall concert, Spring Dinner Dance and several Jazz festivals throughout the state including Region and State festivals. A select number of advanced members will participate in district and state Jazz Festivals. Members should plan on a trip to the Lionel Hampton International Jazz Festival every other year in February.

JAZZ ENSEMBLE II (Intermediate)

This is the entry-level jazz band and is open to any student who wants to perform in the jazz styles of swing, funk, and Latin A simple audition / interview is required, but no musicians are turned away from this feeder ensemble. The band performs at the Evening of Jazz & Percussion, state and regional festivals, Spring Jazz Dinner Dance, and at various other school functions. The band plans one over night trip to an out of state jazz festival every other year alternating with an in-state festival with Jazz I and the Jazz Choir. Prerequisite is enrollment in a core instrumental concert group. Private study is highly recommended. There is a Jordan District instrumental rental fee of $40 for those students using a school instrument.