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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 MJI Ensemble Interest Form. 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).

Planned absences should be reported through the MJI Absence Registration form. Please let us know as soon as you learn of a schedule conflict. We need time to find a sub in order to hold a constructive rehearsal in your absence.

2025 FALL TERM - $495 (includes 15 sessions, plus 1-2 performances per term and access to MJI's online courses and workshops)

  • "A" TRAIN ENSEMBLE Sundays from 1:30 to 3 p.m.

       Start date: September 7, 2025

       No rehearsal dates: November 30

       Last rehearsal: Final performance at Sam' Place Dec 20 or 21
 

  • SO WHAT ENSEMBLE Sundays from 3 to 5 p.m.
    Start date: September 7, 2025
    No rehearsal dates: November 30
    Last rehearsal: Final performance at Sam' Place Dec 20 or 21

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

       Start date: September 7, 2025
       No rehearsal dates: November 30
       Last rehearsal: Final performance at Sam' Place Dec 20 or 21

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  • MAIDEN VOYAGE ENSEMBLE Mondays from 5 to 7 p.m.
    Start date: September 8,     2025
    No rehearsal dates: November 24
    Last rehearsal: Final performance at Sam' Place Dec 20 or 21

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  • YARDBIRD ENSEMBLE Wednesdays from 5 to 7 p.m.
    Start date: September 10,     2025
    No rehearsal dates: November 26
    Last rehearsal: Final performance at Sam' Place Dec 20 or 21

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2026 SPRING TERM - $495 (includes 15 sessions, plus 1-2 performances per term and access to MJI's online courses and workshops)

  • "A" TRAIN ENSEMBLE Sundays from 1:30 to 3 p.m.

Start date: January 11, 2026

No rehearsal dates: TBD
Last rehearsal: April 26. 2026
Final performance: Sam's Place May 2 or May 3​
 

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

Start date: January 11, 2026

No rehearsal dates: TBD
Last rehearsal: April 26, 2026
Final performance: Sam's Place May 2 or May 3

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

Start date: January 11, 2026

No rehearsal dates: TBD
Last rehearsal: April 26, 2026
Final performance: Sam's Place May 2 or May 3

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

Start date: January 12, 2026
No rehearsal dates: TBD
Last rehearsal: April 27, 2026
Final performance: Sam's Place May 2 or May 3

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

Start date: January 15, 2025
No rehearsal dates: TBD
Last rehearsal: April 29, 2026
Final performance: Sam's Place May 2 or May 3


2026 SUMMER TERM - $198 (includes 6 sessions, plus 1-2 performances per term and access to MJI's online courses and workshops)​

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  • SO WHAT ENSEMBLE Sundays from 3 to 5 p.m.
    Start date: July 12, 2026

       Last rehearsal: August 16, 2026

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  • FOOTPRINTS ENSEMBLE Sundays from 5 to 7 p.m.
    Start date: July 12, 2026

      Last rehearsal: August 16, 2026

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  • MAIDEN VOYAGE ENSEMBLE Mondays from 5 to 7 p.m.
    Start date: July 13, 2026

       Last rehearsal: August 17, 2026

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  • YARDBIRD ENSEMBLE Wednesdays from 5 to 7 p.m.
    Start date: July 15, 2026​

       Last rehearsal: August 19, 2026​​

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