The Grade Five Jazz Ensemble is a full year, non-graded course, open to all students in grade five. Auditions occur in the beginning of October for students on the following instruments: flute, alto, tenor, baritone saxophone, trumpet, trombone/euphonium, piano, guitar, bass and drum set. Rehearsals begin in late October/early November, meeting every Wednesday afternoon during late bus hours. The intention of the course is to expose students to the techniques and styles within the jazz idiom. Areas of focus include: jazz rhythmic and articulation exercises, various styles and forms (i.e. Swing, Funk, Latin), improvisation and listening to professional recordings. Performance opportunities throughout the year may include the Region #10 Jazz Festival, in-school concerts for the student body, a trip to an adjudication festival, and an invitation to play for the Grade 8 Commencement Ceremony. Attendance at all functions is mandatory to ensure the success of the ensemble.

Rehearsal Schedule
Tuesday Afternoons - 3:00 p.m.-4:20 p.m.

Important Dates and Performances

Saturday, March 26, 2011, 7pm – Reg. 10 Jazz Concert – LSM Auditorium

Recent and current Jazz Ensemble repertoire

On Green Dolphin Street, Kaper/Lopez
So What, Miles Davis/Sweeney
Granada Smoothie, Mark Taylor
Harlem Nocturne, Hagen/Blair
Jumpin’ at the Woodside, Basie/Taylor
Night Train, Steve Hodges
St. Thomas, Rollins/Taylor
Tiger of San Pedro, LaBarbera/LavenderPerdido, Tizol/Lewis arr.
Watermellon Man, Hancock/Nowak arr.
Satin Doll, Ellington/Nestico, arr.
Alright, Okay, You win, Wyche/Sweeney, arr.
The Girl From Ipanema, Jobim/Nowak, arr.
Take the "A" Train, Strayhorn/Lowden, arr.
Freddie Freeloader, Miles Davis/Sweeney, arr.
Blue Train, Coltrane/Sweeney, arr.
Here’s That Rainy Day Dave, Barduhn, arr.
Lester Leaps In, Young/Taylor, arr.