YOUTH JAZZ ENSEMBLES

Be Part of the Legacy

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
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 MJI Jazz Theory: Levels One, Two, and Three (online courses)
Discount pricing for Annual Summer Jazz Camp

If you're interested in joining an ensemble, please complete our online application. We welcome applications at any time.

MJI Youth Ensemble Application Form

SCHEDULE

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

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

2021 SUMMER TERM - $180 (6 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

2021 FALL TERM - (15 sessions)

SO WHAT ENSEMBLE Sundays from 3 to 5 p.m.
Start date: September 12, 2021
FOOTPRINTS ENSEMBLE Sundays from 5:15 to 6:15 p.m.

Start date: September 12, 2021

MAIDEN VOYAGE ENSEMBLE Mondays from 5 to 7 p.m.
Start date: September 13, 2021
YARDBIRD ENSEMBLE Wednesdays from 5 to 7 p.m.
Start date: September 15, 2021

2022 SPRING TERM - $480 (15 sessions)

SO WHAT ENSEMBLE Sundays from 3 to 5 p.m.
Start date: January 23, 2022
FOOTPRINTS ENSEMBLE Sundays from 5:15 to 6:15 p.m.

Start date: January 23, 2022

MAIDEN VOYAGE ENSEMBLE Mondays from 5 to 7 p.m.
Start date: January 24, 2022
YARDBIRD ENSEMBLE Wednesdays from 5 to 7 p.m.
Start date: January 26, 2022

Pay for Spring 2021 Term

Pay for Spring 2021 Term (one-hour rehearsals)

Pay for Summer 2021 Term

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.

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.).

TO APPLY or ask questions: Please email us at mji@milwaukeejazzinstitute.org or complete the online application form available at the top of the page.