THE JAZZ ACADEMY ENSEMBLE (JAE) 2023-2024

THE ENSEMBLE IS BACK!

THE JAZZ ACADEMY ENSEMBLE (JAE) 2023-2024
Fall Semester September 14th through December 3rd, 2023
Spring Semester January 18th through May 5th, 2022)

The Jazz Academy (JAM) is resuming its Jazz Academy Ensemble (JAE) is for young instrumental musicians that are interested in playing and performing Jazz music in a group setting. JAE is an excellent opportunity for young musicians who have never improvised or created a solo or those who are in the formative stages of developing their improvisational skills.

Who benefits from the Ensemble?

JAE is the first step to becoming a great Jazz Musician…

In order to develop your skills, you have to practice individually as well as in a group setting and the earlier you start the better you will be. The students that practice in multiple settings increase their chances of making their high school jazz bands; county and state jazz bands and even the Jazz Academy Orchestra (JAO) and the Grammy Band.

Many of the Jazz Academy students successfully audition for these bands and win college scholarships to some of the best schools and conservatories in the country including Juilliard, Berkley, and New England. Our students have also been awarded admittance and scholarships to some of the most prestigious Jazz music camps in the country. And even those that do not pursue music in college enjoy the benefit of having participated in music when presenting their portfolio. Many of our students have also been admitted to some of the top academic institutions in the country.

Start today and begin studying with your peers and one of the top Jazz Musicians in the Country today…

Our Director, Paul Carr, is one of the top saxophonists in the country. His most recent CD was ranked in the top 10 on the Jazz Radio Charts and received critical acclaim in publications such as Downbeat, Jazz Times and more. The effectiveness of his teaching methods have been recognized by many respected educators at secondary and collegiate levels. He enjoys working and collaborating with the music directors in the local schools to advance and preserve Jazz music and views his efforts as supplemental to the great work of the school system.

The JAE Works This Way!
The Academy will hold the JAE rehearsals over two semesters. The Fall semester begins in late September and the Spring term begins in mid-January. Rehearsals are bi-weekly from 5:45 pm to 7:00pm at North Chevy Chase Christian Church.

Students will perform advanced middle school and high school level music. To be eligible for JAE, students must be able to meet the entrance requirement. To meet the entrance requirement students must be able to play the Bb and F concert scales and must be able to play proficiently the jazz etude.

CLICK HERE … this is a self-test. Students who can meet the requirements should sign up for JAE. Students who are not yet proficient in these skills are encouraged to sign up for the Jazz Academy Genesis Band (JAG). Students who have attended at least one JAM Camp session or are currently in JAE are exempt from the entrance requirement and need not take the self test.  Students meeting the minimum criteria will be admitted on a first-come first-serve basis until all slots are filled.

In-Person Ensemble Rehearsals

In JAE rehearsals will be held at North Chevy Chase Christian Church, 8814 Kensington Parkway, Chevy Chase, MD 20815 beginning September 14, 2022 at 5:45pm.  Each rehearsal will be extended for 75 minutes.   Sessions will be held bi-weekly inside the church in Harlow Hall.  

LOCATION AND SCHEDULE

PLACE

North Chevy Chase
Christian Church
8814 Kensington Parkway
Chevy Chase, MD 20815

Rehearsals are in Harlow Hall of the church.

SCHEDULE

2023-2024
In-Person Rehearsals
Thursday
Bi-Weekly

2023

September 14 and 28 

October 5 and 19 

November 2, 16 and 30 

December 7

Winter Concert December 10

 

2024

January 18 and 25

February 1, 8, 15 

Mid Atlantic Jazz Festival Performance February 16 at 4:00pm on the Atrium Stage

March 7 and 21

April 4, 18 and 25

May 2

Spring Concert May 5 at TBD

HOURS

Ensemble    5:45 – 7:00pm

The hall in the church has been completely renovated with a new filtration system.

PERFORMANCE ATTIRE

Student Requirements:

  • All Students:  Music Stand
  • Virtual Students:  iReal Pro Software
  • Virtual Students (Optional):  Garage Band

The Jazz Academy will provide:

  • A Jazz Academy Polo Shirt (For Concert)
  • A Jazz Academy Patch that must be sewn onto the left pocket area of the Black Jacket

Student Attire:

  • All Students:  Formal performances – Black Jacket and Pants or Skirt, White Shirt with tie or Blouse
  • All Students: Upscale casual performance – Black Jacket and Pants with Polo Shirt
  • All Students: Casual performances – Black Pants with Polo Shirt

Concert

The JAE will hold a special concert on May 5 2024.  The concert will be at a location TBD. The concert will be open to the family and friends.  The students will perform the musical selections that they have learned and created over the course of the term.  The final concert will be held in a professional venue.