Jazz Band

Jazz Band is an extension of the high school music ensemble experience. Students will use their instrument to explore a variety of jazz styles and improvisation techniques. Students will demonstrate their learning through school and community performances. Performances occur outside the school day.

PREREQUISITE: Students must audition and be concurrently enrolled in Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble, or Percussion. Orchestra & Choir students are also eligible. Guitar and keyboard players should contact Mr. Kruse.

HOMEWORK: 30 min of practicing daily + 30 min listening/week.

Audition Music

Links to Audition Music for 2026-27 will be posted soon.

Students interested in Jazz should report to class on the first day of school. Auditions will be held in the first couple weeks of September.

Fees & Scholarships

There are fees, will be published by school

Financial assistance/scholarship support is available. Please contact your school counselor, Mr. Kruse, or LWHS Band+Jazz Boosters.

Events & Expectations

CONCERT DRESS

Concert dress is all black. Examples include: Black slacks, black button down or blouse, black socks, nice black shoes. Black dress, black tights, Black skirt and black blouse. A black blazer or sport coat is also okay. Black jeans, black sneakers, white socks, or shoes with any white on them are not acceptable.

Jazz Band students may also wear a purple tie or vest.

CONCERTS & FESTIVALS

The Jazz Bands perform in 5 concerts per year at LWHS, as well as in several jazz festivals around the region. Jazz students are also requested for performances at community and other events, such as the Kirkland Winterfest.

EXPECTATIONS

Our band curriculum focuses on two main areas: Ensemble Skills and Individual Musicianship Skills.

Ensemble skills are developed in class when prepared students play together. Our ensembles engage with a diverse band repertoire that requires students to practice and enhance their instrumental and sight-reading abilities outside class to perform effectively.

Individual Musicianship Skills involve mastering scales, articulation, rhythms, musical styles, and instruments. To support individual musicianship, students receive a subscription to MakeMusic, a platform that offers a wealth of learning resources and exercises for musicians on every instrument. Students are encouraged to seek private instruction and participate in various music festivals, camps, workshops, and contests.