Jazz Ensemble
Grades 9-12
FA837SFA
Jazz Ensemble
Jazz Ensemble is Mountain View High School’s jazz, funk and basketball pep band. This audition-only group is for players who are ready to play jazz, rock, and funk music at the highest level. In addition to trumpets, trombones, and saxophones, this band features a full rhythm section as well. If you play piano, bass (upright or electric), drumset, or electric guitar, this band is for you!
In the fall, we spend time working on music for our December concert as well as preparing pep band music for basketball games. In the winter we will perform at several home basketball games before shifting our focus towards learning music for spring jazz festivals and concerts. Throughout the year, we will perform in a variety of settings, including concerts, pep band for basketball games, adjudicated jazz festivals, field trips, and other events as scheduled. If you are interested in auditioning for Jazz Ensemble, please sign up for the class with Mr. Chaiet inthe band room during forecasting. Auditions will take place in the spring and placements will be announced before the end of the school year. Please note: Concurrent enrollment in Wind Ensemble or Symphonic Band is required (unless prior arrangements have been made with the director). Attendance for concerts, festivals, and adjudicated events is mandatory. Attendance for pep band can be flexible depending on your work or sports schedule. Scroll down to see questions and answers about this class!
Length: Year ● Credit: 1.0 ● Prerequisite: Audition required; concurrent enrollment in Wind Ensemble or Symphonic Band required
Diploma Credit Area: Fine Arts (FA)
Course Q&A
What can I expect in this class?
In Jazz Ensemble, you can expect to play jazz, funk, and rock music at a high level! In the fall we will prep music for our winter concert and basketball. In the winter and spring we will work on jazz festival music and take a few field trips!
What does a typical day in this class look like?
A typical day in Jazz Ensemble will include laughing, learning, and playing music! We learn warm-ups, techniques, scales, jazz articulations, and improvisational skills. We will work on music for concerts, basketball band, and festivals.
What about homework?
Homework in Jazz Ensemble will include concerts, basketball band, field trips.
What about tests?
Tests in Jazz Ensemble are infrequent.
What do past students say about this class?
Jazz Ensemble is a brand new class for the 22-23 school year, but Mr. Chaiet imagines they would say "Yeah man, Jazz Ensemble is cool."
Why should I take this class?
You should take Jazz Ensemble if you want to experience playing jazz, funk, and rock at high level.
Is there a prerequisite for this class?
Audition for placement and concurrent enrollment in Wind Ensemble or Symphonic Band is required (unless prior arrangements have been made with the director).
What else do I need to know about this class?
You can absolutely play sports and be in band class. If you enjoy playing music and being an athlete, MVHS band will work with you to make it happen!