YOUTH JAZZ ENSEMBLES

Be Part of the Legacy

High school and middle school students learn from the area’s top jazz musicians who are also committed educators. Rehearsals take place in historic jazz venues where Art Blakey, Dizzy Gillespie, Dexter Gordon, Joe Henderson, 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. Ensembles have opportunities to perform at community events and local jazz clubs.

SCHEDULE

Each two-hour session includes an ensemble rehearsal and a jazz theory/improvisation class. 

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All rehearsals and classes are held at the Jazz Gallery (926 E Center Street, Milwaukee, WI 53212).

2021 SPRING TERM - $480 (16 sessions)

• SO WHAT ENSEMBLE Sundays from 3 to 5 p.m.
  Start date: January 24, 2021

• MAIDEN VOYAGE ENSEMBLE Mondays from 5 to 7 p.m.
  Start date: January 25, 2021

• YARDBIRD ENSEMBLE Wednesdays from 5 to 7 p.m.
  Start date: January 27, 2021

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2021 SUMMER TERM - $240 (8 sessions) 

• SO WHAT ENSEMBLE Sundays from 3 to 5 p.m.
  Start date: July 11, 2021

• MAIDEN VOYAGE ENSEMBLE Mondays from 5 to 7 p.m.
  Start date: July 12, 2021

• YARDBIRD ENSEMBLE Wednesdays from 5 to 7 p.m.
  Start date: July 7, 2021

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2021 FALL TERM - (16 sessions)

• SO WHAT ENSEMBLE Sundays from 3 to 5 p.m.
  Start date: TBD

• FOOTPRINTS ENSEMBLE Sundays from 5:15 to 6:15 p.m.

• Start date: TBD

• MAIDEN VOYAGE ENSEMBLE Mondays from 5 to 7 p.m.
  Start date: TBD

• YARDBIRD ENSEMBLE Wednesdays from 5 to 7 p.m.
  Start date: TBD

AUDITIONS

High school and middle school instrumentalists are encouraged to submit an audition application for placement in an MJI youth jazz ensembles This audition opportunity is open to all instrumentalists, free of charge.

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Interested students should submit a short video of one piece (5 min. max) that demonstrates their technical ability and jazz skills. Accompaniment is permitted but not required. Drummers should demonstrate the ability to play various styles and tempos (swing, bossa nova, etc.).

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TO APPLY or ask questions: Please email us at mji@milwaukeejazzinstitute.org to request an application or for more information.