The Moeller Jazz Band is an extra-curricular ensemble whose members are chosen by audition.  In addition to performing at the Christmas and Spring concerts, the Jazz Band travels to various cities to participate in Jazz Festivals, including at least one overnight trip.

Participation in the Moeller Jazz Program is open to players of all instruments.  The standard big band instrumentation is:  4 trumpets, 4 trombones, 2 alto saxes, 2 tenor saxes, 1 baritone sax, and one each of piano, guitar, bass, and drums.   We usually take an extra player on each instrument. Students who play other instruments, such as flute or clarinet, are encouraged to learn a standard jazz instrument.  Saxophones are encouraged to learn “doubles”: flute and/or clarinet.  Any instrument may be used for jazz improvisation and combo. (See below).  We will rehearse for several weeks before holding auditions.  This gives all students a chance to learn the style, allows me to observe students on a daily basis as a supplement to the audition.  Auditions will be used for part placement.  If we have too many players in a section, we may have to make cuts.

Jazz Big Band and Combo meets from October into April.  Winter sports that practice after school, such as basketball and wrestling, will have schedule conflicts, and students must choose one activity or the other.  In the past, students participating in hockey, lacrosse, or ski team have been able to participate in Jazz Band and their sport.  Communication and comparing of performance schedules are very important.

The Jazz Big Band will rehearse on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, either in sectionals or full rehearsal. Each individual student will usually only have rehearsals two of the three days.  Sectionals will be on Tuesday and Wednesday; full rehearsals will be on Thursday.  We will have more sectionals while we are learning new music; when we are closer to a performance we will have more full group rehearsals.

Students who are interested in developing their soloing skills to higher level can study Advanced Improv on Mondays.  Students may play any instrument, even “non-jazz” instruments, in this group.  If enough qualified students, including rhythm section players, are interested, this group will perform in public as the Moeller Jazz Combo.  If not, these students will be featured prominently as soloists in the Big Band.

Moeller Jazz Curriculum

Jazz is a unique art form developed by Americans in the twentieth century.  Knowledgeable critics have called it “ America ’s only original art form,” and “ America ’s classical music.”  Over the years, jazz has absorbed many influences and evolved into many styles.  It is the aim of the Moeller Jazz Program to expose the students to a wide variety of styles through performing and listening.  These include Dixieland, Swing, Bebop, Jazz-rock fusion, and various Latin and Afro-Cuban Styles.

Students learn the history of jazz the fun way: by listening to and emulating the past masters, and, when possible, actually playing their music.  For example, we often play “real” charts from the Count Basie and Duke Ellington bands, as well as excellent arrangements of classics for high school band.  Modern, “hot-off-the-press” charts are also performed, so that students are aware of current trends in music.

Students learn music theory the fun way: by mastering scales and chords on their instruments (not just on paper) and then using these as building blocks for creating their own music!

All students in the jazz program will have the opportunity to learn the craft of improvisation.  Improvisation is spontaneous composition, and has been a defining element in jazz from the beginning of its history.  The great classical masters- Bach, Mozart, Beethoven- were all famous for their improvisations.  Today’s great jazz musicians are simply carrying on a centuries-old tradition.  All students will have the opportunity to take chances in a supportive, non-threatening, creative environment.  All students will be encouraged, but never forced, to solo on public concerts.  Students will also perform written solos, which provide good stylistic examples, and can be used as springboards to creativity.