2008-09 Pioneer Middle School Advanced Jazz Band

Welcome to the Pioneer Jazz Band web page! 

Pioneer MS now has two jazz bands: Advanced Jazz Band and Beginning Jazz Band.  They rehearse on different mornings and use different method books.

           

The Advanced Jazz Band rehearses on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7:00 - 7:50 AM in the band room (room 502).  Students need to provide their own transportation.    Placement into the Jazz Band is by successful audition and open to all instrumental students.  Priority is given to those students participating in the Pioneer Band and Orchestra programs.  The required jazz method book is Essential Elements for Jazz Combo by Mike Steinel (students must purchase their own copy at a local music store); Standard of Excellence: Jazz Ensemble Method (checked out to students from the music department).

The Beginning Jazz Band rehearses on Wednesdays and Fridays from 7:00 - 7:50 AM in the band room (room 502).  Students need to provide their own transportation.    No audition is necessary for placement into the Jazz Band is and it is open to all instrumental students. The required jazz method books: Essential Elements for Jazz Ensemble by Mike Steinel (students must purchase their own copy at a local music store).  Please note that the band can accommodate up to three keyboard players, two percussionists on drum sets, and one vibraphonist (due to our limitations on instruments).  There is no limitation set on woodwinds, brass and strings.

All Jazz band members learn how to perform swing, rock, Latin, and the blues.  Students will also learn the art of improvising solos.  The band currently performs as a combo including two trumpets, three saxophones, and the rhythm section (piano, bass and percussion).  In addition, the band has also read Big Band Jazz charts for the recent Wenatchee Jazz Workshop.

Participation in the Pioneer Jazz Band is an honor. Although no grades are given, expectations of students are high.  Students must be dedicated to rehearsing early in the morning before school, open to learning various jazz styles, willing to learn challenging music and motivated to learn how to improvise jazz solos on their instrument.

Students need to bring their music instrument, jazz method books, music and a pencil to all rehearsals.  Brass players need to purchase their own appropriate mutes: Straight, Cup (or Combo Straight/Cup) and a Harmon.   Each student is required to participate in the scheduled concerts, demonstrating showmanship, discipline, performance skills and employing appropriate audience behavior.  In addition, the Jazz Band participates in the annual Wenatchee Jazz Workshop in January.

This class is considered a FULL YEAR COMMITMENT. In this way we build the best jazz band program possible.  For more information, please click on the band syllabus in the left-hand menu.

Lets play jazz!