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 (2020-21 artists included 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, Two, and Three

• Discounted pricing for 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.

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).

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IMPORTANT: Please click to review the JGCA COVID POLICY last updated January, 5, 2022.

2022 SPRING TERM - $480 (15 sessions)

• SO WHAT ENSEMBLE Sundays from 3 to 5 p.m.
  Start date: January 23, 2022
  No rehearsals April 17 or May 8
  Last rehearsal: May 15

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

       Start date: January 23, 2022
       No rehearsals April 17 or May 8

       Last rehearsal: May 15

• MAIDEN VOYAGE ENSEMBLE Mondays from 5 to 7 p.m.
  Start date: January 24, 2022
  No rehearsals April 18
  Last rehearsal: May 9

• YARDBIRD ENSEMBLE Wednesdays from 5 to 7 p.m.
  Start date: January 26, 2022
  No rehearsals on March 23
  Last rehearsal: May 11
   

2022 SUMMER TERM - $180 (6 sessions) 

• SO WHAT ENSEMBLE Sundays from 3 to 5 p.m.
  Start date: July 10

• FOOTPRINTS ENSEMBLE Sundays from 5 to 7 p.m.
  Start date: July 10

• MAIDEN VOYAGE ENSEMBLE Mondays from 5 to 7 p.m.
  Start date: July 11

• YARDBIRD ENSEMBLE Wednesdays from 5 to 7 p.m.
  Start date: July 13
   

​2022 FALL TERM - $480 (15 sessions)

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

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

       Start date: September 11

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

• YARDBIRD ENSEMBLE Wednesdays from 5 to 7 p.m.
  Start date: September 14