Mercer Island Jazz Bands
The Mercer Island Schools Jazz program begins in 7th grade and continues with a broad collection of offerings at the high school level. At MIHS, two morning Jazz Bands and the Jazz Ensemble accommodate all Mercer Island High School students with an interest in playing jazz. In addition, all interested 7th and 8th grade students also have the opportunity to play in the IMS Jazz Bands.
Jazz Bands
6th & 7th Grade Jazz Bands
The IMS Jazz Ensemble is available to all interested 7th and 8th grade band students. The classes rehearse 2 days a week before school and have several performances throughout the year, including participation in at least one Jazz Festival. The course will focus on big band literature, including swing, Latin, and rock styles, with the heaviest emphasis being on traditional big band jazz. Students are also introduced to jazz improvisation and encouraged to experiment with their own musical ideas. IMS Jazz Bands provide a fun, enriching experience for the motivated student and an experience for the student wishing to participate in the MIHS Jazz Band program.
Morning Jazz 3
Morning Jazz 3 provides an opportunity for all students to perform and learn jazz literature in a big band group setting. The band joins with the Morning Jazz 2 and Jazz Ensemble in traveling to area festivals. Students in the band enjoy great camaraderie and continued opportunities for growth as aspiring jazz players.
Morning Jazz 2
Morning Jazz 2 is an auditioned jazz band targeted at younger high school musicians, or students whose schedule does not allow a class such as the Jazz Ensemble. The band rehearses two days per week before school as a club. Participation in area jazz festivals is a staple of the experience for students, and the band has recently garnered awards for its excellence, including 1st place in its AA division in 2012 at Jazz NW in Spokane, WA.
MIHS Jazz Ensemble
The MIHS Jazz Ensemble is an auditioned group of dedicated and talented students who comprise traditional big band instrumentation. The Jazz Ensemble is a class at MIHS, meeting daily during seventh period. Literature for the band consists of the finest in repertory and contemporary compositions, including all of the important historical periods and styles for big band. The group annually participates in local and regional jazz festivals, and regularly earns honors for its consistently high level of performance. The band is routinely a finalist at festivals, and has won numerous awards at area festivals, including first places, and sweepstakes awards at festivals such as the Bellevue Jazz Festival, Clark College Jazz Festival, Jazz NW and Newport Jazz Festival. The band has appeared on the KPLU School of Jazz project the past seven years, and recently partnered with Bothell High School on a concert featuring 2011 Jazz Trombonist of the year Wycliffe Gordon.
Jazz Bands FAQ
Auditions
Students audition in the Spring for placement in one of the High School Jazz Bands. The 7th and 8th Grade Jazz bands are open to all interested students.
Rehearsals
The MIHS Jazz Ensemble meets as a class during 7th period. Sectionals and additional out-of-class rehearsals should also be expected. The MIHS morning Jazz Bands and IMS Jazz Bands meet two days a week before school.
Festivals and Travel
All district Jazz bands perform and travel to festivals during the school year, sometimes during class time or on weekends.
Jazz Band Dates
Early May
Current grade 8th-11th grade jazz students audition for Jazz band placement for the following year.
November
MIHS Jazz Bands perform at Eastshore Jazz Festival
Mid-December
All Jazz Bands play in the IMS Commons as it is transformed into a Jazz nightclub at the Winter Jazz Night.
January
Jazz Ensemble and Morning Jazz 1 to EWU Jazz Dialogue Festival
February
MIHS Jazz Bands enjoy a weekend at the Jazz Symposium; 8th Grade Jazz to Eastshore Jazz Festival
March
8th grade Jazz attends Frontier Jazz Festival; MIHS Jazz bands attend Mead Jazz Festival; Jazz bands participate in the MIFAAC-sponsored Fine Arts Showcase
April
All jazz bands play in the Mercer Island School District Jazz Band Concert
May
All jazz bands play in the Bellevue Jazz Festival; Auditions for the following year's jazz bands; Jazz ensemble plays Mother’s Day gig at Tula’s.
June
End of year MIHS Jazz Band Concert
For current information on dates, check out our Calendar.