Directors:  Tyler Long

Semesters:  2 (Fall and Spring)

Prerequisite: Audition and permission of Band Directors

Additional Requirements:  Students must also be enrolled in a concert ensemble (except upperclassmen and students playing guitar, piano, and bass)

The Jefferson Jazz Ensemble is open to students who play saxophone, trumpet, trombone, piano, bass, guitar, or percussion and pass an audition given by the Jazz Ensemble Director(s).  Students are highly encouraged to take Piano and Electronic Keyboard I or Music Theory and Composition I prior to playing in this ensemble.

Many styles of jazz literature are studied (swing, bebop, funk, Latin, etc.), as well as jazz theory and improvisation. 

There will be numerous performances throughout the year, including school functions, jazz clinics, contests, Purdue Jazz Festival, and community outreach performances. 

Directors:  Tyler Long and Scott Pazera

Semesters:  2 (Fall and Spring)

Prerequisite: Audition and permission of Band Directors

Additional Requirements:  Students must also be enrolled in a concert ensemble (exempt: guitar, piano, bass)

The Jefferson Jazz Combo is a small ensemble, which is an extension of the Jefferson Jazz Band.  This ensemble is open to students who possess exemplary skills with their instrument and pass an audition given by the Jazz Ensemble Director(s).  Students are highly encouraged to take Piano and Electronic Keyboard I or Music Theory and Composition I prior to playing in this ensemble.

This ensemble focuses on the improvisational practice that lies at the deepest roots of jazz. Through engagement with important jazz standards and student-composed works, members will be exposed to advanced concepts such as: principles of and strategies for shaping meaningful improvised solos, development of musical ideas through rhythmic/metrical and melodic variation, harmonic form in music, melodic/harmonic relationships and voice leading through chord changes, and arranging material for a small jazz ensemble in advance and spontaneously on the bandstand.

There will be numerous performances throughout the year, including school functions, jazz clinics, contests, and community outreach performances.