Small Performance Ensembles

Middle School Jazz Ensembles (Grades 6 – 8)

Small ensembles designed for middle school musicians interested in learning how to play jazz and improvise. These ensembles cover a wide repertoire, from John Coltrane and Sonny Rollins to Eddie Harris and James Brown. Students play new  arrangements focusing on stylistic accuracy and developing coherent solos in a friendly, non-competitive environment.

$365 per 10-week quarter
(fall, winter, spring)

Advanced Middle School Jazz Workshop (Grades 7 – 8)

This ensemble covers standard jazz repertoire appropriate for the advanced middle-school musician. Jazz theory and improvisation techniques are covered in class and applied to repertoire in rehearsal and performance. (5 –10 players per group)

$365 per 10-week quarter
(fall, winter, spring)

High School Jazz Ensemble (Grades 9 – 12)

Intermediate- to advanced-level ensembles for high school musicians interested in gaining a greater understanding of jazz theory and developing improvisation skills through the study and performance of challenging jazz repertoire. (5 –10 players per group)

$365 per 10-week quarter
(fall, winter, spring)

High School Funk Ensemble (Grades 9 – 12)

A high-energy ensemble focusing on the classic funk hits of James Brown, Sly and 
the Family Stone, Earth Wind & Fire, The Meters, Herbie Hancock, Tower of Power and Motown’s Funk Brothers. Vocalists and horns welcome! (Also open to advanced middle-school musicians.) Students learn music by ear.  (5 –15 players per group)

$365 per 10-week quarter
(fall, winter, spring)

Advanced High School Jazz Workshop (Grades 9 – 12)

This DownBeat award-winning ensemble is designed for the advanced-level high school student player who is competent in the bebop language and wishes to explore the post-bop harmonic, melodic, rhythmic and formal innovations of artists such as Coltrane, Shorter, Corea, Hancock and Brecker. Students are invited to perform at numerous venues throughout the Bay Area and have the opportunity to meet and work with leading jazz artists. Recording opportunities are also provided for students. (5 –10 players per group)

$365 per 10-week quarter
(fall, winter, spring)