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.

AUDITIONS: SUMMER AND FALL 2020

Priority Deadline for Application: April 27th (Applications will be accepted beyond this date until all spots are filled.)

High school and middle school instrumentalists are encouraged to submit an audition video for placement in the 2020 MJI summer and fall youth jazz ensembles. This audition opportunity is open to all instrumentalists, free of charge. The priority deadline for applications is April 27th. Applications will be accepted beyond this date until all spots are filled. 

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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: Please submit the Google Application Form OR download and return a completed audition application form and we will contact you with video submission instructions. Please reach out if you have questions or need more info.

SUMMER JAZZ CAMP:
Rescheduled for July 27 - July 31

Spend Summer on a High Note

Registration Now Open!

2020 ENSEMBLE SCHEDULE

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

SPRING TERM - $480 (16 sessions)
YARDBIRD ENSEMBLE
Wednesdays 5 to 7 p.m. at the Jazz Gallery. (926 E Center Street, Milwaukee, WI 53212).
Classes begin January 15 with the program ending May 13 with a performance at the Jazz Estate.
(Class will not be held on March 18 or April 15.)

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SUMMER TERM - $240 (8 sessions)  - ENSEMBLES ARE GOING FORWARD AS PLANNED

• SO WHAT ENSEMBLE
  Sundays from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Jazz Gallery (926 E Center Street, Milwaukee, WI 53212).
  Start date: June 28

• MAIDEN VOYAGE ENSEMBLE
  Mondays from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Jazz Gallery (926 E Center Street, Milwaukee, WI 53212).
  Start date: June 29

• YARDBIRD ENSEMBLE
  Wednesdays from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Jazz Gallery (926 E Center Street, Milwaukee, WI 53212).
  Start date: July 1

FALL TERM - $480 (16 sessions)

• Sunday classes begin September 13 and are held 1:00-3:00 pm at the Jazz Estate​ 2423 N Murray Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53211

• Monday classes begin September 14 and are held 5:00-7:00 pm at the Jazz Gallery. 926 E Center Street, Milwaukee, WI 53212.

• Wednesday classes begin September 16 and are held 5:00-7:00 pm at the Jazz Gallery. 926 E Center Street, Milwaukee, WI 53212.