The Jazz Ensemble is the top jazz group at Muscatine High School and is directed by Mr. O'Shaughnessy. You must audition and be approved by Mr. O'Shaughnessy to participate in the ensemble.
During the 25'-26' Season Rehearsals for the Jazz Ensemble were every day after school (if there is school that day) from 3:45 - 4:45PM. This is subject to change for the 26'-27' Season.
Mr. O'Shaughnessy will communicate the rehearsal schedule for the 26'-27' season in mid-October 2026.
The Jazz Ensemble competes in the highest bracket of competition in the state of Iowa by participating in IHSMA state-sanctioned festivals. Additionally, the Jazz Ensemble works alongside 2-3 masters of jazz music each season in the form of 2 hour clinics that take place in the evening typically from 5:00 - 7:00PM on 2-3 select weekdays of the season.
The Jazz Ensemble caps off the year by performing at our Swing Dancm alongside the Jazz Band and Jazz Choir - the swing dance is hosted at the Merrill Hotel, where entrees and beverages are served, dancing occurs, and all are welcome to come and enjoy!
2025 - 2026 Jazz Master Clinics
1/21/26 (Wednesday)..................................................................Mr. Kevin Brown
2/10/26 (Tuesday)........................................................................Dr. James Dreier
2/18/26 (Wednesday)..................................................................Dr. Damani Phillips
2025 - 2026 Performance Dates
1/31/26 (Saturday)................................. State Jazz Festival
2/14/26 (Saturday)............... South East Polk Jazz Festival
2/20/26 (Friday)................................... Liberty Jazz Festival
3/7/26 (Saturday).................................. SEIBA Jazz Festival
3/7/26 (Saturday)........................ Muscatine Swing Dance
2025 - 2026 Audition Information
Audition material for Jazz Ensemble will be released on Monday, September 29th
Auditions will be submitted via recording to Mr. O'Shaughnessy between Monday, October 27th and Friday, October 31st.
Auditions can be performed in-person if the student chooses to do so.