The Viking Jazz Ensemble is an extracurricular musical ensemble that rehearses once per week from 2:45-4:30 pm. Students will be exposed to a wide variety of jazz styles, including, but not limited to: Swing, Funk, Blues, Dixieland, Latin, and Rock. Students will also learn about the history of jazz, improvisation, and the 12 bar blues form. There will be a winter and a spring concert, with the possibility of additional performances (Jazz Festivals, Ramsay, Harmon House, etc) being added as the year progresses.
Rehearsals will begin on Tuesday, October 8th. The deadline to sign up is Friday, October 4th.
To join Jazz Ensemble, students should play one of the following instruments:
Alto Sax
Tenor Sax
Baritone Sax
Trombone
Trumpet
Guitar
Bass (upright, electric, or keyboard bass will all be considered)
Piano
Drum Set
Auxiliary Percussion (Vibes, Shaker, Cowbell, etc)
The Viking Jazz Ensemble is for students in grades 9-12 only. Experience on an instrument and the ability to read sheet music is required.
RHYTHM SECTION ONLY - AUDITIONS
Due to limited rehearsal time and complexity of the music, students interested in the rhythm section (Bass, Piano, Drums, Guitar) must successfully pass an audition to demonstrate music reading ability and proficiency on a rhythm section instrument. Students will have to demonstrate proficiency in 3 different styles: Swing, Latin, and Rock.
If you'd like a physical copy, please see Mr. Buckstein in the band room.
Rhythm Section auditions will be held on Monday, September 30th at 2:45 pm. After all students have auditioned, rhythm section players will be notified whether or not they have been accepted into the ensemble. All rhythm section students MUST audition, it is not enough to just sign up!
*Please note that rhythm section players (drums, piano, bass, guitar, aux percussion) may not play on every piece due to a high volume of players in those sections.
Any questions about the Jazz Ensemble should be directed to Mr. Buckstein at mbuckstein@mpasd.net.