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:
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Study with accomplished jazz performers (see faculty bios)
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Perform in the community at top jazz venues and festivals
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Interact and learn from legendary, world-renowned guest artists (previous artists include Charles McPherson, Wycliffe Gordon, and Carl Allen)
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Free registration for all MJI online workshops (see past workshop topics)
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Free registration for online courses and MJI Jazz Theory: Levels One, Two, and Three
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Discounted pricing for Annual Summer Jazz Camp
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.
All rehearsals and classes are held at the Jazz Gallery Center for the Arts (926 E Center Street, Milwaukee, WI 53212).
2023 FALL TERM - $495 (includes 15 sessions, plus 1-2 performances per term and access to MJI Online Jazz Theory Courses (Level One, Two, and Three)
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SO WHAT ENSEMBLE Sundays from 3 to 5 p.m.
Start date: September 10, 2023
No rehearsal on Nov. 26, Dec. 24, or Dec. 31
Last rehearsal: January 7, 2024 -
FOOTPRINTS ENSEMBLE Sundays from 5 to 7 p.m.
Start date: September 10, 2023
No rehearsal on Nov. 26, Dec. 24, or Dec. 31
Last rehearsal: January 7, 2024
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MAIDEN VOYAGE ENSEMBLE Mondays from 5 to 7 p.m.
Start date: September 11, 2023
No rehearsal on Nov 27, Dec 25, or Jan. 1, 2024
Last rehearsal: January 8, 2024 -
YARDBIRD ENSEMBLE Wednesdays from 5 to 7 p.m.
Start date: September 13, 2023
No rehearsal on Nov. 22, Dec. 20, Dec. 27
Last rehearsal: January 10, 2024
2024 SPRING TERM - $495 (includes 15 sessions, plus 1-2 performances per term and access to MJI Online Jazz Theory Courses (Level One, Two, and Three)
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SO WHAT ENSEMBLE Sundays from 3 to 5 p.m.
Start date: January 14, 2024
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FOOTPRINTS ENSEMBLE Sundays from 5 to 7 p.m.
Start date: January 14, 2024
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MAIDEN VOYAGE ENSEMBLE Mondays from 5 to 7 p.m.
Start date: January 15, 2024
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YARDBIRD ENSEMBLE Wednesdays from 5 to 7 p.m.
Start date: January 17, 2024
2024 SUMMER TERM - $198 (includes 6 sessions, plus 1-2 performances per term and access to MJI Online Jazz Theory Courses (Level One, Two, and Three)
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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 15, 2024 -
YARDBIRD ENSEMBLE Wednesdays from 5 to 7 p.m.
Start date: July 17, 2024
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