Jazz Combo

2023-24 Audition Information Link:

docs.google.com/document/d/1Tbl_ohiJz36H0WqQAfcR4ke1mw4aVRHRRKcva_pHpQ8/edit?usp=sharing

Jazz Combo

Jazz Combo is offered during both semesters at Jordan and has two levels, Intermediate/Proficient (Jazz Combo II) and Advanced Honors (Jazz Combo I). The Jazz Combos perform at all seasonal concerts, the Carolina Jazz Festival, DPS Jazz Day, Central Region Jazz MPA, and other community events as requested. Placement in Jazz Combo - Advanced Honors is through audition only. While an audition is not required to join Jazz Combo II, instrumentation is capped in both combos and will be determined by the director on a yearly basis. Students who participate in the audition process will be given preference of placement into the combos. If the instrumentation cap is reached, students may be asked to double on another instrument or switch to Symphonic Band (or Wind Ensemble, if they meet the audition requirements).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Jazz Combo:

What is the difference between the two levels, Jazz Combo I and Jazz Combo II?

Placement in Jazz Combo I is through audition only. Students in Jazz Combo I have additional performance requirements, such as performing at Carolina Jazz Festival and Central Region Jazz MPA. Students in Jazz Combo I regularly participate in All-Region Honor Band Clinics, the Triangle Youth Jazz programs, and the Durham Jazz Workshop. Jazz Combo II is intended to develop students' knowledge of swing, improvisation, and other concepts.

I noticed that this class has an audition requirement. How does that work?

Placement in Jazz Combo - Advanced Honors is through audition only. Students who wish to enroll in this course for honors credit will need to complete the audition process and be selected for the course, which takes place in January. If you are a rising freshmen and intending to register for a band class at Jordan, audition information will be communicated to you through your respective middle school Band Director at the beginning of the semester. Students taking the course for honors credit will have additional requirements to complete within the course.

Are there any opportunities to perform jazz in a Big Band setting at Jordan?

Yes, the Big Band will function as a zero period class (meaning that it meets before school) in the late fall after marching band season has ended, and in the spring after Concert Band MPA has concluded. Preference of membership in the group will be given to students who are already members of Jazz Combos I and II. The rest of the instrumentation needs will be pulled from our other ensembles (Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band).

What kind of music does the Jazz Combo perform?

Everything under the jazz "umbrella", including but not limited to swing, funk, Latin and more. Here are some things we have covered or arranged recently: