High School JAZZ Program
The high school Jazz Program is an extracurricular activity that requires time outside of school. Students must participate in instrumental music to qualify. The program includes 2-3 big bands and 4-5 five combos, depending on available players. These jazz groups are led by Director of Instrumental Music Mike Scarpone and a few adjunct staff, including Jason St. Pierre and Tony Gaboury.
Jazz rehearsals will kick off the week of September 16.
Auditions are Saturday, September 14 in the band room from 8am - 12pm. Mr. Scarpone will be available for help sessions the first two weeks of school for anyone wanting assistance with the audition piece, Sweet Georgia Brown (which is also the Jazz State audition piece).
For students who wish to be in the jazz program, but are intimidated by auditions, there will be an ensemble for them to perform in. Mr. Scarpone is committed to including everyone interested, and encourages students to come in and talk to him.
Combos and ensembles rehearse once a week after school or in the evening. Concert Jazz is the most seasoned group with participants chosen by audition; members rehearse twice a week.
Middle School Jazz Program
Jazz Fundamentals is open to interested seventh grade band members. This performance-based class will introduce classic jazz tunes while incorporating jazz history. Additionally, interested students will learn basic improvisational skills. Informal performances may take place in the spring. Jazz Fundamentals rehearses on Thursday mornings at 6:55am.
Jazz Band is a performance ensemble for eighth-grade band members. The jazz band will perform for the school and at the annual Jazz Cabaret in March. Jazz Band rehearses on Tuesday mornings at 6:55am.
Students must be in concert band in order to participate in Jazz Fundamentals or Jazz Band. Exceptions are occasionally made for guitar, bass, and piano students that are taking private lessons and can play at the level required to participate in the groups. Drummers must be studying drum set privately and be able to play at the level required to participate in the groups. Students interested in playing rhythm section instruments (drums, bass, guitar, piano) will need to audition as there limited spots for those instruments.
Jazz groups begin in late October.