THE JAZZ ACADEMY ORCHESTRA (JAO) 2023-2024

The Jazz Academy (JAM) is continuing its Jazz Academy Orchestra (JAO) and Jazz Academy Ensemble (JAE) formats and has added a new program the Jazz Academy Genesis (JAG) which is a band for new instrumentalists. Under the direction of Paul Carr, students will learn various combo and big band charts including swing, cool jazz, bebop and funk styles.  Students will also learn music etiquette and develop listening skills.

New Student Auditions

New student auditions will be held virtually on September 2, 6, 7, 8, 11 and 12 2023. 

Auditions Charts

Audition Application Form

Jazz Academy Orchestra (JAO)

The Jazz Academy Orchestra “JAO” stands as the flagship ensemble of the Jazz Academy. It exclusively comprises top-tier young musicians hailing from the tri-state region that are selected through an audition-based selection process. Under the guidance of conductor Paul Carr, students delve into a diverse repertoire of big band music from many eras of jazz. This experience not only allows the students to refine their ensemble playing and improvisational skills but also nurtures their professional skills. The JAO is a musical incubator for the most accomplished young musicians in the area, many of whom continue on to have successful careers in music and beyond.

Throughout the year, the Orchestra presents several performances including seasonal concerts, a prominent showcase at the Mid Atlantic Jazz Festival, and additional engagements at highly acclaimed national venues and events. In some of these performances students get to play alongside distinguished international guest artists such as like Randy Brecker, Warren Wolf, Brian Lynch, Carmen Bradford, Terell Stafford, and Ingrid Jensen.  Notable venues and events that the Orchestra has played in the past include: Kennedy Center for Performing Arts, Tri-C Jazz Festival (Cleveland, Ohio), Jazz Education Network Conference (San Diego, CA and Atlanta, GA), Silver Spring Jazz Festival, Strathmore Music Center, Blues Alley Supper Club,  Bethesda Jazz and Blues Supper Club, The Big Band Bash on the Mall and the University of Maryland.

Classes are held bi-weekly throughout the school year, taking place on Thursdays at 7:00pm at North Chevy Chase Christian Church in Chevy Chase, Maryland, with two semesters—Fall (commencing mid-September) and Winter (initiating mid-January).

Program Logistics

In-Person Orchestra Rehearsal

In person combo rehearsal will be held at North Chevy Chase Christian Church, 8814 Kensington Parkway, Chevy Chase, MD 20815 beginning September 14th, 2023 at 7:00pm. Sessions are 90 minutes and 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

In-person 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 18 at 11:30am on the Main Stage with Special Guest Victor Provost on Steel Pan

March 7 and 21

April 4, 18 and 25

May 2

Performance April 19 at Leisure World

Spring Concert May 5 at TBD

HOURS

Orchestra    7:00 – 8:45pm

Harlow Hall 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:

  • In-Person Students:   JAM will adhere to the State of Maryland and the CDC’s Covid policies.
  • 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

New Orchestra Student Audition

New students that have not attended any Jazz Academy program within the past two years will be required to audition for placement purposes.  Auditions will be held virtually on September 2nd 11am-3pm and September 6th, 7th, 8th, 11th or 12th from 4:00pm – 8:00pm.  Auditioning students will be sent a zoom link to access the virtual meeting room for the audition. Click on the links below for the audition application and required charts for the audition.

Audition Requirements 

Brass and Woodwinds–Students will play:

1.)Prepared etude listed for each instrument below 

2.)Improvise 1 chorus of blues using“Nothin’ But the Blues, Volumn 2,”Number 10, Fast Blues in F”

3.)Sight Read

Rhythm Section:

1.)Read, Comp, and Improvise over the changes of the prepared etude

Requirements for Jazz Drum Set Styles: 

Medium Swing quarter note = 160

Medium Up Swing quarter note = 220

Bossa Nova quarter note =120

Samba half note = 120

Brush Ballad quarter note = 60

Waltz quarter note = 116

 

Concert

The JAO will hold a special concert on May 5, 2024 at a location TBA. 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.