Jazz Ensembles

Blake Meister, Director, Preparatory Jazz Messengers
Ian Sims, Director, Preparatory Jazz Ambassadors

Open to middle school age through adult musicians in piano, guitar, bass, brass, woodwinds, and percussion. These exciting groups are designed to give students exposure in reading and performing music of varying styles and levels of difficulty from the standard jazz repertoire as well as more recent works. It also presents an opportunity for young musicians to apply classroom skill sets, including previous music theory, improvisation, and aural training. Students will also address fundamental issues related to playing in the instrumental ensemble setting. Ensemble performance opportunities are available at Preparatory events, festivals, concerts, and competitions throughout the local region.

Members receive the added bonus of an invitation to observe all Conservatory Jazz Department master classes and participate in special sessions with distinguished Peabody Conservatory Jazz faculty and other renowned guest artists.

Membership is open by audition only and previous ensemble experience is not required. Everyone is welcome to audition for the Jazz Ensembles regardless of whether the student is in individual instruction at the Preparatory. (Only students in individual instruction are eligible to participate in Preparatory recitals and competitions.)

Audition Dates

Tuesday, August 21, 2012, 5:00-8:00, L250/251
Thursday, August 23, 2012, 4:00-7:00, L250/251

Audition Requirements

Performance of all major scales and chromatic scale; Performance of two songs of contrasting style (although the ability to improvise is not required, its demonstration is strongly encouraged); Sight-reading.

Additional Requirements

Piano and guitar: demonstrate ability to comp in various styles or read a prepared étude
Bass: demonstrate the ability to play in a range of styles and tempos including 4/4 walking, jazz waltz, bossa nova, slow ballad, and rock or funk groove.
Drums: demonstrate the ability to play in a range of styles and tempos (using both sticks and brushes) including swing, jazz waltz, bossa nova, slow ballad, samba, Afro-Cuban, shuffle, and rock or funk groove.

Preparatory Jazz Messengers

 Students in Individual Instruction at the Preparatory

 
Students Not in Individual Instruction at the Preparatory

Preparatory Jazz Ambassadors

 Students in Individual Instruction at the Preparatory

 
Students Not in Individual Instruction at the Preparatory