Jazz Bands

The North Scott Jazz Department has a strong tradition of providing students with a rich, solid jazz foundation. Over the past 14 years, NSHS students have had an opportunity to work and/or perform with notables such as Stefon Harris, Wycliffe Gordon, Victor Goines, Sean Jones, Byron Stripling, Frank Wess, Marcus Printup, the Boston Brass, Melton Mustafa, Dennis Mackrel, Kurt Elling, Javon Jackson, Joey Sellers, Reggie and Mardra Thomas, Anthony Cox, Bill Bell, Eddie Henderson, Hamiet Bluiett, Ron Carter and the NIU Jazz Ensemble, 10 of Soul, Orquesta Alto Maiz, and The Late Nite Blues Brothers Band. In 2009, NSHS Jazz 1 was selected as one of 15 finalists in North America to perform in the Essentially Ellington Festival at Lincoln Center, New York City. Jazz 1 has also been chosen to perform at the prestigious Iowa Bandmasters Conference twice in the last ten years.

OBJECTIVE

It is the intent of the North Scott Jazz Department to provide a well-rounded learning experience for all participating students. This includes performing many pieces from the standard jazz repertoire, learning and practicing the many facets of jazz improvisation, studying jazz historically and culturally, becoming familiar with key figures in the evolution of jazz, and listening to key recordings of those artists.

PREREQUISITE

All participating students must be enrolled in Instrumental Music (Band or Orchestra).