Orchestra

The Jazz Academy Orchestra “JAO” is a large ensemble where students learn and perform the big band charts of Duke Ellington, Glen Miller and other writers of the big band era and beyond. It is a great evening program for young musicians grades 6th thorough 12th. Classes meet during the school year. There are two semester, Fall ( starts at the end of September) and Winter (starts at the end of January). Class sessions are bi-weekly on Wednesday at Sligo Middle School in Silver Spring, Maryland under the direction of Paul Carr. The Orchestra performs at various events in the D.C. Metropolitan area.

Program

The Orchestra will perform 2-3 times each semester at various venues around the Washington Metropolitan area. The Orchestra focus is on the straight-ahead jazz genre. The orchestra will be comprised of 18 - 20 instruments. In the past Jazz Academy students have performed at wonderful venues and events such as the East Cost Jazz Festival, Blues Alley Supper Club, The Big Band Bash on the Mall and the University of Maryland. The orchestras will be performing at similar events and venues in the coming year.

As with all Jazz Academy offerings, students will work with professional musicians to enhance their skills in the interpretation of the music.

Location

Place Sligo Middle School
1401 Dennis Ave
Silver Spring, MD
Semester Late January
Late September
Performance Attire Students must have:

  • Males: Black Jacket, Long Black Pants, White Shirt and a Black Tie.
  • Females: Black Jacket, Long Black Pants, Long Black Skirt and a White Blouse.

The Jazz Academy will provide:

  1. A Jazz Academy Polo Shirt
  2. A Jazz Academy Patch that must be sewn onto the left pocket area of the Black Jacket.

Students will wear the following for:

  1. Formal performances: Black Jacket and Pants or Skirt, White Shirt with tie or Blouse
  2. Upscale casual performance: Black Jacket and Pants with Polo Shirt.
  3. Casual performances: Black Pants with Polo Shirt.

News

JAZZ UNDER THE STARS CONCERT SERIES BEGINS SEPT. 14th

Paul CarrConcert opens on Sept 14th with critically acclaimed Jazz saxophonist Paul Carr! 

The first and opening show for the “Jazz Under the Stars” concert series is the Paul Carr Quintet.  Paul Carr who is known for his hard-charging and soulful post-bop style will be gracing the stage at the Arts and Innovation Center - Rooftop Terrace with some of the greatest players in the Metropolitan area.   He will be performing some of the tunes from his CD released earlier this year which has soared to the No. 9 spot on the Jazz Week Radio Chart!  The CD continues to be a favorite and is still receiving a significant amount of airplay.  Check out his website: www.PaulCarrJazz.com

Click Here to Purchase Tickets

The Jazz Academy of Music Presents “Jazz Under the Stars”

Jazz Under The Stars SeriesThese Sunday evening concerts will illuminate your week!  The “Jazz Under the Stars” series will bring some of the best Jazz artists in this region to the Metropolitan DC area.  The shows are from 7pm - 9pm at the Arts and Innovation Center on the Rooftop Terrace, Rockville Town Center, 155 Gibbs Street, Rockville, MD 20850

Eric Byrd TrioOn September 28 @ 7pm - The Eric Byrd Trio.

This Trio of friends will perform selections from their latest CD which is a tribute to Ray Charles, which is Eric’s musical hero. They will bring a collection of songs exploring the jazz side of “The Genius.”  For the concert , the Byrd Trio with their power hitting horn section form The Brother Ray Band! For more information go to www.EricByrd.comfabtrio.gifOn October 5th @ 7pm -   The FAB Trio

The FAB Trio featuring Felicia Carter — an incredible collaboration which has birthed a new level of music and brought to the series. They will go above and beyond the Great American songbook for a “nu jazz”.  Also, some of their work can be heard on the television documentary on the B&O Railroad, scheduled to air on WETA(DC). For more information on the FAB Trio go to www.myspace.com/bassamyshook and for Felicia Carter www.FeliciaCarter.com . 

                                           jao-wjanine.gifTHE FINAL CONCERT

On October 26 @ 7pm - JAO with Janine Carter

The final concert is a tribute to a friend of the Jazz Academy of Music, Ronnie Wells. The 2008 Jazz Academy Orchestra [JAO] will be be performing charts from the big band era and accompanying vocalist Janine Carter.  Janine brings her own Jazz style with a gospel feel and the influence of her mentor, Ronnie Wells. Janine will be performing some of Ronnie’s favorites. For more information on Janine see her website www.JanineCarter.com