YOUTH JAZZ ENSEMBLES
Be Part of the Legacy - Enroll Today
High school and middle school students in the MJI Youth Ensemble Program learn from the area’s top jazz musicians who are also committed educators. Rehearsals take place in a historic jazz venue where Chet Baker, Art Blakey, Dizzy Gillespie, Dexter Gordon, and others once performed. Students carry on the tradition by performing classic jazz repertoire through which they study improvisation and accompaniment techniques and become familiar with the essential practices of small ensemble jazz. Two-hour sessions include an ensemble rehearsal and an improv class.
How to get involved
EXPRESS YOUR INTEREST: We welcome applications at any time. If you're interested in joining an ensemble, please complete the MJI Ensemble Interest Form below.
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GIVE US A SAMPLE: Send an audio or video recording to education@milwaukeejazzinstutute.org. (via YouTube, Dropbox, Google Drive, etc.). Perform a standard jazz piece. Instrumentalists should also improvise one chorus of a solo. Drummers should demonstrate a swing beat and a Latin groove such as a Bossa Nova. Bass players walk a bass line on a blues progression.
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PLACEMENT: Spots are filled based on instrumentation and skill level. Term fees are prorated should you be invited to join after the term has begun. Applications are kept in the queue. If there is an opening that fits your instrument and skill level, you will be notified.​
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Ensemble schedule & placement
Our Youth Program is year-round. Year-round participation is not required, but encouraged.
The 15-week Spring Term begins in mid-January and ends the first week of May
The six-week Summer Term begins in mid-July
The 15-week Fall Term begins mid-September and ends mid-December
Students will be placed in an ensemble that matches their skill level and age. Fees are prorated for students who join mid-term.
Tuition assistance & scholarships
Tuition assistance is available for our Youth Ensembles program, based on need and availability of funds. We are grateful to MJI donors who help us fulfill our mission of providing opportunities for all looking to learn jazz from Milwaukee's finest jazz educators. Students invited to join an ensemble will also have an opportunity to apply for tuition assistance or a scholarship if applicable
MJI Youth Ensemble Program benefits
Study with accomplished jazz performers
Perform in the community at top jazz venues and festivals
Interact and learn from legendary, world-renowned guest artists
Free registration for all MJI online workshops
Free registration for online courses and MJI Jazz Theory: Levels One through Four
Discounted pricing for the Annual Summer Jazz Camp
