Big Band Ensembles Program
Ensembles range from the Introductory ensemble for those new to their instruments, to high level ensembles exploring the intricacies of improvisation. Students work with professional musicians and educators in a hands-on environment. Every ensemble has performance opportunities.
*Limited spots available in the Big Band Ensembles and New Works Ensembles. Auditions took place on Saturday, Nov. 21st, 2015. Email info@seattleJazzED.org to inquire about participation.
CLICK HERE to register for the Introductory Ensemble Program
CLICK HERE to apply for financial aid
Please scroll down for program details, audition criteria, and ensemble descriptions!
2015-2016 Program Details
Program Dates
The 2015-2016 season begins January 2016 and lasts through May 2016, with the exception of the Introductory Ensemble which begins October 2015 and goes through May 2016.
Program Location
Ensembles rehearse at the MLK FAME Community Center at 3201 E Republican St in the Madison Valley neighborhood.
Who can register
Open to students in grades 4-12. Placement in one of the six ensembles is by audition. No previous music experience is required for the Introductory Ensemble. Non-traditional jazz instruments are encouraged to audition for the New Works Ensemble.
Audition Date
Students audition on Saturday, November 21, 2015 at the MLK FAME Community Center. See below for audition criteria. Introductory ensemble students will have an intake interview, which we will schedule on an individual basis.
Make-up Audition Date
There will be a make-up audition on Friday, November 20, 2015 from 4:00PM-6:00 PM at the MLK FAME Community Center for those who cannot attend the regular audition day. Please contact info@seattleJazzED.org to get on the make-up audition list.
Ensembles Retreat Date
After students audition and receive their ensemble placement, they will attend a full day musical retreat on Saturday, December 5, 2015. At the retreat, students will get to know their fellow band mates and music directors, preview the music they'll be playing, and work with guest artists on their technique.
Concerts & Events
Click here for a list of events.
New York City Tour
Ensemble 1 and the New Works Ensemble will embark on the first ever JazzED New York Tour at the end of our 2015-2016 season (June 4-7). The tour will include clinics with working New York musicians, tours of the three top music conservatories and performances at exciting venues. Click here for the full trip itinerary.
Tuition
Tuition is $835 for the year ($15.18 per instruction hour). This fee will cover the cost of the program including music director salary, supplies, rehearsal space and administrative costs. There will be additional costs for the NYC trip for students in Ensemble 1 and New Works, more information to come (we will also provide financial aid for this trip for those families that need it.) The tuition for the Introductory Ensemble is sliding scale, ranging from $10 to $167 per month depending on financial circumstances.
Financial Aid
Seattle JazzED was founded on the belief that excellent jazz education opportunities should be accessible to all students, regardless of their ability to pay. Accordingly, tuition should NEVER be a barrier to participation. We will provide reduced fees and scholarships to qualifying students. Click here to fill out the easy financial aid application.
Audition Criteria
Students will be asked to do the following at their audition:
- Play one or two of the 12 major scales
- Sight-read music in different styles
- Prepare and play a piece of your choice
- Improvise (THIS IS OPTIONAL)
Drummers will be required to:
- Play Swing and Latin styles at varied tempos (if possible)
- Sight-read
Ensemble Descriptions
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Introductory Ensemble |
Students in the Introductory Ensemble Class do not need any previous musical experience. An intake interview, rather than a musical audition, is required.
- Directed by Colin Pulkrabek
- Meets twice weekly beginning October 6, 2015 on Tuesdays/Thursdays from 4:45PM to 6:15PM
- Location: MLK FAME Community Center, 3201 E Republican St
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Ensemble 4 |
Students in this ensemble are expected to have control of their instruments, the ability to read music, and familiarity with scales.
- Directed by Jacob Zimmerman
- Ensemble meets Saturdays beginning January 9, 2016, from 1:00PM to 3:00PM.
- Location: MLK FAME Community Center, 3201 E Republican St
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Ensemble 3 |
Students in this ensemble are expected to have control of their instruments, the ability to read music, and familiarity with scales. Ensemble 3 students should have at least one year of ensemble playing experience and adequate sight-reading skills.
- Directed by Deb Schaaf
- Ensemble meets Saturdays beginning January 9, 2016, from 3:00PM to 6:00PM.
- Location: MLK FAME Community Center, 3201 E Republican St
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Ensemble 2B |
Ensemble 2B students must have proficient instrument handling skills, solid sight-reading ability and at least two years of experience playing in a jazz ensemble at the middle or high school level.
- Directed by Kelly Barr Clingan
- Ensemble meets Sundays beginning January 10, 2016, from 2:00PM to 5:00PM.
- Location: MLK FAME Community Center, 3201 E Republican St
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Ensemble 2A |
Ensemble 2A students must have proficient instrument handling skills, solid sight-reading ability and at least two years of experience playing in a jazz ensemble at the middle or high school level.
- Directed by Darin Faul
- Ensemble meets Sundays beginning January 10, 2016, from 12:00PM to 3:00PM.
- Location: MLK FAME Community Center, 3201 E Republican St
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Ensemble 1 |
Ensemble 1 students must have proficient instrument handling skills, solid sight-reading ability and at least two years of experience playing in a jazz ensemble at the middle or high school level.
- Directed by Clarence Acox
- Ensemble meets Sundays beginning January 10, 2016, from 3:00PM to 6:00PM.
- Location: MLK FAME Community Center, 3201 E Republican St
- Special notes: This ensemble will travel to New York City in June 2016
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New Works Ensemble |
The New Works Ensemble organizes skilled and proficient young players into a group that explores the boundaries of jazz and welcomes instrumentation not traditionally part of jazz performance. Students must have proficient instrument handling skills, solid sight-reading ability and at least two years of experience playing in a jazz ensemble at the middle or high school level. The New Works Ensemble was the recipient of the 2014 Seattle Jazz Experience Best in Festival award in the high school division.
Click here to see a video about the New Works Ensemble produced by Seattle Channel »
- Directed by Wayne Horvitz
- Ensemble meets Tuesday evenings beginning January 5, 2016, from 6:30PM to 8:30PM.
- Location: MLK FAME Community Center, 3201 E Republican St
- Special notes: This ensemble will travel to New York City in June 2016
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