The Poudre Jazz program is comprised of 3 ensembles; Jazz Band 1, Jazz Band 2 and Birdland Jazz Combo. We play a wide variety of jazz idioms, including swing, blues, afro-latin, funk and contemporary jazz styles. We give 3 school concerts each year and are generally recognized as one of the premier jazz programs in the state.

Jazz Band 1 - Jazz 1 is an auditioned group of 9-12 graders. We typically have 18-21 members in any given year. The group typically meets on Monday evenings from 5:15 to 7:30, and one zero hour each week (at 7:30). We play at the UNC Jazz Festival each year, and occasionally a second local festival. We have also performed at the 2019 CMEA Convention in Colorado Springs, the 2013 NYC Jazz Festival in New York and the 2018 Crescent City Jazz Festival in New Orleans. Participation in one of the music department's core ensembles (concert groups) is required for participation in Jazz 1.

Jazz Band 2 - Jazz 2 is a NON-auditioned group of 9-12 graders. We have anywhere from 15 to 28 members, and we included 'non-traditional' jazz instruments... so, even if you don't play trumpet, trombone, saxophone.... you can still participate in the jazz program at Poudre. This group annually participates in the PSD Jazz Festival, and sometimes the UNC Jazz Fest as well. This group typically meets twice a week during lunch, or zero hour. Participation in one of the music department's core ensembles (concert groups) is required for participation in Jazz 2 as well.

Birdland Jazz Combo - the Jazz Combo is a select group of auditioned members from Jazz Band 1. We usually have 6-8 members, and the class is heavily focused on jazz improvisation. We play all styles of Jazz, and encourage students to write original compositions to perform. This group performs at UNC Jazz Festival annually, and also has several other performances outside our normal concert schedule. This group has also performed twice (2014, 2020) at the CMEA Convention, as well as the 2018 Crescent City Jazz Festival.