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Youth Ensembles: About Us
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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.
 

MJI Youth Ensemble Program Benefits:

  • Study with accomplished jazz performers (see faculty bios) 

  • Perform in the community at top jazz venues and festivals

  • Interact and learn from legendary, world-renowned guest artists (previous artists include Charles McPherson, Wycliffe Gordon, and Carl Allen)

  • Free registration for all MJI online workshops (see past workshop topics)

  • Free registration for online courses and MJI Jazz Theory: Levels One through Four

  • Discounted pricing for the Annual Summer Jazz Camp

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If you're interested in joining an ensemble, please complete our online application. Applications will be accepted until all spots are filled. We welcome applications at any time.

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 Center for the Arts (926 E Center Street, Milwaukee, WI 53212).

​​2024 SPRING TERM - $495 (includes 15 sessions, plus 1-2 performances per term and access to MJI's online courses and workshops)

  • SO WHAT ENSEMBLE Sundays from 3 to 5 p.m.

Start date: January 14, 2024
No rehearsal on March 24 or March 31, 2024
Last rehearsal: May 5, 2024

  • FOOTPRINTS ENSEMBLE Sundays from 5 to 7 p.m.

Start date: January 14, 2024
No rehearsal on March 24 or March 31, 2024
Last rehearsal: May 5, 2024

  • MAIDEN VOYAGE ENSEMBLE Mondays from 5 to 7 p.m.

Start date: January 15, 2024
No rehearsal on March 25 or April 1, 2024
Last rehearsal: May 6, 2024

  • "A" TRAIN ENSEMBLE Mondays from 8:15 to 9:15 p.m.

Start date: January 15, 2024
No rehearsal on March 11, 25, April 1, and 8, 2024
Last rehearsal: May 6, 2024

  • YARDBIRD ENSEMBLE Wednesdays from 5 to 7 p.m.

Start date: January 17, 2024
No rehearsal on March 27 or April 3, 2024
Last rehearsal: May 6, 2024​​​

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2024 SUMMER TERM - $198 (includes 6 sessions, plus 1-2 performances per term and access to MJI's online courses and workshops)

  • SO WHAT ENSEMBLE Sundays from 3 to 5 p.m.
    Start date: July 14, 2024

  • FOOTPRINTS ENSEMBLE Sundays from 5 to 7 p.m.
    Start date: July 14, 2024

  • MAIDEN VOYAGE ENSEMBLE Mondays from 5 to 7 p.m.
    Start date: July 8, 2024

  • YARDBIRD ENSEMBLE Wednesdays from 5 to 7 p.m.
    Start date: July 10, 2024​

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2024 FALL TERM - $495 (includes 15 sessions, plus 1-2 performances per term and access to MJI's online courses and workshops)

  • SO WHAT ENSEMBLE Sundays from 3 to 5 p.m.
    Start date: September 2024

  • FOOTPRINTS ENSEMBLE Sundays from 5 to 7 p.m.

       Start date: September 2024

  • MAIDEN VOYAGE ENSEMBLE Mondays from 5 to 7 p.m.
    Start date: September     2024

  • YARDBIRD ENSEMBLE Wednesdays from 5 to 7 p.m.
    Start date: September     2024

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