Jazz Ensembles

Jazz B (Entry Level Jazz, Recommended for all Freshmen)
Prerequisite: Audition
Year-Long Course • Grades 9-10-11-12
Fulfills HS Visual/Perf. Arts or General Elective

Students are expected to take marching band or wind ensemble in conjunction with this course. This course is open to select wind and percussion students by audition. This group will study beginning to advanced improvisation techniques along with a wide variety of Jazz styles ranging from swing, bebop, progressive, latin, and funk/rock. Playing in a Jazz combo during this course is highly encouraged. Occasional after-school performances and weekend performances are mandatory.

Through the support of the AHS Music Boosters, below is a short sample list of clinicians that our Jazz B class has had the opportunity to work with:

The Jeff Hamilton Trio

Ira Nepus, Trombone

The Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz Group

Dave Robaire, Bass

Mike Fortunato, Trumpet

Vince Trombetta Jr, Saxophonist

Awards & Accomplishments:

1st Place, The Westlake Jazz Festival, 2017 (Novice & Intermediate Divisions)

3rd Place, The Reno Jazz Festival, 2011 (Apprentice II Division)

1st Place, The Reno Jazz Festival, 2010 (Apprentice II Division)

Jazz A (Intermediate to Advanced Leveled Jazz)
Prerequisite: Audition
Year-Long Course • Grades 9-10-11-12
Fulfills HS Visual/Perf. Arts or General Elective

Awards & Achievements:

Swing Central Jazz Festival, 3rd Place, 2017

Swing Central finalist, 2013-2019

Essentially Ellington finalist, 2011

Swing Central finalist, 2010

Essentially Ellington finalist, 2008

Monterey Jazz Festival Next Gen Finalist, 2007

Essentially Ellington finalist, 2007

Studio Jazz (Advanced to Collegiate Leveled Repetoire) Prerequisite: Audition Year-long course for Grades 10, 11, 12 Fulfills HS Visual/Performing Arts or General Elective

Students are highly encouraged to take marching band or wind ensemble in conjunction with this course. Combo playing experience in conjunction with this class is also highly recommended. This group will study advanced improvisation techniques and a wide variety of Jazz styles ranging from swing, bebop, progressive, Latin, and funk/rock. After school rehearsals and performances are required. Occasional after-school and weekend performances are mandatory. For students who are interested in applying to: (1) an academic university with a music audition, (2) a university with an art supplement application, or (3) a conservatory to major in music, it is highly recommended to also take a classical course that deals with music fundamentals taught in Marching Band, Wind Ensemble, Orchestra or Choir.

Through the support of the AHS Music Boosters & Participation in national music festivals, below is a short sample list of clinicians that our groups have had

the opportunity to work with:

Dan Higgins, Professional Saxophonist, Studio Musician

The Jeff Hamilton Trio, w/ Tamir Handelman & Christoph Luty

John Mosley, retired AHS music director

Gary Pratt, Cal State Northidge

Ira Nepus, Trombonist & member of the Clayton/Hamilton Jazz Orchestra

Wycliffe Gordon, Trombonist & Composer

Dave Robaire, Bassist & AHS Jazz Combo director

Ronald Carter, Professional Saxophonist and Clinician

Members of the Jazz @ Lincoln Center Orchestra:

Shermany Irby, Marcus Printup, Ali Jackson

and many more!