Jazz Academy Combos

Combos explore the full spectrum of acoustic jazz — from swing and hard bop to New Orleans traditional styles — while also embracing modern grooves like funk, soul, and hip-hop-influenced jazz. Repertoire may include standards, original compositions, and contemporary arrangements, with a strong emphasis on improvisation, rhythm section interplay, and individual voice.

Priority Placement:
Open to all music students grades 6-12 by audition, with priority given to current members of the Jazz Academy Orchestra (JAO).

Each Jazz Academy Combo is thoughtfully structured to provide a balanced small group experience. Instrumentation for each combo includes: 1 Piano, 1 Drummer, 1 Bass, 1 Guitar, and 3 or 4 Horns or 1 Vocal and 2-3 Horns

Combo #1 – “The Vanguard Unit”

Level: Advanced

Focus: Pre-professional track / Career-bound musicians

Rehearsal Time: 7:30pm – 8:15pm

Description:
The Vanguard Unit is JAM’s premier student combo for advanced musicians preparing for careers in jazz or expecting to participate in collegiate level jazz programs. This group is focused on artistic growth, serious ensemble work, and performance excellence. Students will rehearse complex arrangements, dive deep into improvisation, and be pushed to develop the musical discipline and creativity required for the next level — whether that’s conservatory, college jazz ensemble, professional bandstand, or the recording studio.

Audition Requirements:

- Play the Etude of your instrument
- Select 2 contrasting Jazz tunes from the American Song Book of Jazz Standards of your choice. For each selection play the head and then improvise over the chord changes. Supply your own backing track.

Bass

Drums

Guitar

Piano

Saxes

Trombones

Trumpets

Combo #2 – “The Take One Collective”

Level: Intermediate

Focus: Creative expression / Joy of performance

Rehearsal Time: 6:00pm – 7:15pm

Description:
The Take One Collective is designed for students who want to deepen their jazz skills while experiencing the joy of playing and sharing music in a fun, collaborative environment. This combo emphasizes groove, swing, creativity, and community. It’s perfect for students who may not be pursuing jazz collegiately or professionally but are passionate about growing musically and expressing themselves through jazz and its many stylistic cousins.

Audition Requirements:

- Play 2 scales of your choice
- Play the head to Tenor Madness and Improvise to the chord changes. Supply your own backing track.

Alto Sax and Eb

Tenor Sax and Trumpet

Piano and Concert

Drums

Trombone and Bass Clef

Rehearsals:

Concerts: