Jazz Band

Jazz Band I

Jazz I is the advanced jazz band, respectively, open to all students who have completed and/or are currently enrolled in a concert band. This ensemble is audition-only & highly competitive.  Students must make every effort possible to be in a concert band, orchestra, or private lessons where the student specifically studies jazz. 

Audition materials can be found on the GJHS Band website and follow the guidelines for the Colorado All-State Jazz Band. This bands plays at many local events and jazz festivals throughout the year, and students are highly encouraged to try out for the Advanced WSCBA Honor Jazz Festival and All-State Jazz Band.

All year; pre-requisite required; audition-only ensembles.

Jazz Band II

Jazz II is the intermediate jazz band, respectively, open to all students who have completed and/or are currently enrolled in a concert band. This ensemble is audition-only & very competitive.  Students must make every effort possible to be in a concert band, orchestra, or private lessons where the student specifically studies jazz. 

Audition materials can be found on the GJHS Band website and follow the guidelines for the Colorado All-State Jazz Band. This band plays at jazz festivals throughout the year and may also play local events. Students in this class are highly encouraged to try out for the Intermediate & Advanced WSCBA Honor Jazz Festival (freshmen are eligible for the Intermediate Honor Jazz Band) and All-State Jazz Band.

All year; pre-requisite required; audition-only ensembles

Jazz Band III       

Jazz III is designed for all freshmen jazz musicians and/or musicians who are new to the jazz idiom. This class requires no audition for membership, although chair testing will be administered. Wind and percussion students MUST make every effort to be enrolled in a concert band or marching band - guitar and piano players are exempt from this rule. 

Concepts covered are: articulation definition, basic music/jazz theory, beginning improvisation, chord construction, scale development, and tone production. Students in this class are encouraged to try out for the Intermediate WSCBA Honor Jazz Festival held in January.  All students who would like to continue in jazz will be required to audition for either Jazz I or Jazz II at the end of 3rd quarter.

All year; previous experience with jazz preferred