Jazz Ensemble is a performance course based around the musical idiom of jazz.  Any student wishing to be in Jazz Ensemble should speak to Mr. Rogalski first to set up an audition and permission to add the class. 

In Jazz Ensemble, students will learn to perform music in a variety of styles, focusing mainly on swing, but also using rock, funk, Latin and fusion styles.  The class time is split between reading notated music and improvising within set guidelines.  Even if students have no experience improvising, they will be encouraged to be creative in class.

Another component of Jazz Ensemble is learning about the history of Jazz.  Students will learn about the major performers of Jazz and the times they in which they lived.  We will look at how they influenced other jazz artists and what made them great musicians.

Jazz Ensemble meets for one block every other day during the school year.  Also, there will be several after-school and evening performances that are required, including concerts in December and May.