MS Jazz Band

WHAT IS JAZZ?

Jazz is American music. It is a combination of the music of Europe, Africa, and Latin America that took root in the United States.  A sort of "musical stew".  The middle school jazz bands will explore the fundamental elements of jazz which is blues and swing.

Middle School Jazz Band is open to anyone in the 7th-8th grade.  The basic instruments are saxophone, trumpet, trombone, bass, piano, and drum set.  Drum set players should already have training on the drumset and be able to read drum set music. Piano players should be able to play with both hands and have had a few years of piano lessons.  The bass player is usually trained in sixth grade.  A flute or clarinet could be converted to a sax player for just jazz band during the year.  This is called doubling.

PELLA MIDDLE SCHOOL JAZZ BAND

REHEARSAL SCHEDULE 

Monday & Thursday - 7th Grade Jazz Band

Tuesday & Friday - 8th Grade Jazz Band

Before school (AM) 7:15-8:00

Performances 2025-2026

February 5th, 2026

Middle School Jazz Band Clinic and Concert in the high school auditorium. Clinic is during the day at the high school. Concert is at the high school auditorium at 7:30 featuring Middle School and High School jazz bands.

February 14, 2026

Southeast Polk Jazz Festival  A competitive/trophy festival at Southeast Polk High School.  The performance schedule is announced a few weeks before.

March 7, 2026

Waukee Northwest Jazz Festival  A competitive/trophy contest at Waukee Northwest High School. High School Jazz Bands will also be participating. The performance schedule will be announced a few weeks before.

March 26, 2026

Tamory Hall Performance - A performance shared with the Middle School Jazz Band and High School Jazz Bands at Tamory Hall (above the Bread Board) to close out the season.

Snow day or snow late start - no rehearsal if it is scheduled for that time.