The Jazz Academy Ensemble (JAE)

The 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.

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.

Check out the JAO Video Library!

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 Wednesday, September 21st. The Spring semester begins January 11, 2012. Rehearsals are held bi-weekly on Wednesday evenings from 5:45 pm to 7:00pm.

Only students who have achieved the proficiency level of advanced beginner and above are eligible to join JAE. Students meeting the minimum criteria may join JAE on a first come first serve basis until all slots are filled.

Students meeting the minimum criteria will be admitted on a first come first serve basis until all slots are filled.

Concert

The JAE will hold a spring concert. The concert will be open to the public and will cost $12.00 per person. The students will perform the musical selections that they have learned and created over the course of the year.

The final concert will be held in a professional venue. In the past the Jazz Academy concerts have been held at venues such as the Silver Spring Performing Arts Center, Roundhouse Theatre, Montgomery College and the University of Maryland. We strive to give the students a professional experience.

Location & Directions

The location for the JAE rehearsals is Sligo Middle School; 1401 Dennis Ave; Silver Spring, MD:

FROM THE BELTWAY: Exit Georgia Avenue going north . Turn right on Dennis Avenue and proceed about 1.5 miles. The school will be on your left.

FROM DC: Take Georgia Ave going north to Dennis Avenue. Turn right on Dennis Avenue and proceed about 1.5 miles. The school will be on your left.

Availability

Students will be required to pay tuition to attend to join JAE and must provide their own Musical instruments. The annual tuition is $530 payable in two installments of $265.00 at the beginning of each semester.

If there is a slot available for your instrument please click here to continue.

This Jazz Education Experience Is Waiting For You!