Jazz Band

Independence Jazz Program Info:

The Independence Jazz Program offers many jazz groups at the Junior and Senior High level. We currently have two junior high and two high school jazz bands. Many students also participate in jazz combos. The jazz groups compete in the following festivals: UNI Tallcorn Jazz Festival; Coe College Jazz Summit, the NEIBA Jazz Festival and the Iowa Jazz Championships. The Jazz Orchestra, our top high school jazz band, has been invited to the Iowa Jazz Championships every year since 1995. They were named Class 3A State Jazz Champions in 2000, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2014, and were runner up in 2001 and 2011. The Jazz Ensemble earned wild card performances in the 2001, 2002, 2004, 2005, 2007, 2008, 2014 and 2016, Iowa Jazz Championships. In 2014 they earned 6th Place at the Iowa Jazz Championships. Independence jazz students participate in the All-State Jazz audition process and have been selected every year since 2001. The Jazz Orchestra was selected to perform at the 2004 Iowa Bandmaster’s Conference and the 2005 IAJE Regional conference in Chicago.

In the summer of 1998, we started the annual Indee Jazz Camp. Each summer in the 3rd week in July, we have a week long camp for 7-12 grade Independence students. We average about 75 students who are split into big bands and combos. The students pay a camp fee that allows us to bring in some of the areas finest professional jazz musicians and educators. A specialist is hired for each instrument that forms the Faculty Jazz Combo. The camp consists of daily big band and combo rehearsals, sectionals, and Performances. We have special sessions for students wishing to pick up a second instrument in order to participate in jazz band.

2014 INDEPENDENCE JAZZ ORCHESTRA

Creme de la Creme Performance at The Gallegher Bluedorn Performaning Arts Center

"Mayday by Daniel Barry"

"Now Playing by Bob Florence"

"Tissues Aren't for Cats by Tim Davies"

IOWA JAZZ CHAMPIONSHIPS

2020 Jazz Orchestra - Canceled (Covid-19)

2019 Jazz Orchestra - 5th Place

2018 Jazz Orchestra - 4th Place

2017 Jazz Orchestra - 5th Place

2016 Jazz Orchestra - 3rd Place

2016 Jazz Ensemble - 11th Place