The Newport Jazz Band program is well-known regionally, nationally and internationally.
Jazz Ensemble 1
Members of the Jazz Ensemble 1 have auditioned for a place. Jazz classes held outside the regular school day require students to be enrolled in a primary performing ensemble (band or orchestra). Students attend jazz performances, festivals and competitions in and out of state. Students planning to enroll in jazz must sign up early in the fall.
Jazz Ensemble is an extension of the larger ensemble experience. The jazz ensemble reflects traditional Big Band instrumentation (saxophone, trumpet, trombone and rhythm section). Through listening to recordings, critiquing, analyzing, discussion and application, students learn a variety of jazz styles found within this genre. Students gain an understand of the history of jazz and are able to associate specific musicians to distinct styles of jazz. This is a performance class; therefore, students are expected to attend all rehearsals, sectionals and performances.
Jazz Ensemble 2
Members of the Jazz Ensemble 2 have auditioned for a place. Jazz classes held outside the regular school day require students to be enrolled in a primary performing ensemble (band or orchestra). Students attend jazz performances, festivals and competitions in and out of state. Students planning to enroll in jazz must sign up early in the fall.
Jazz Ensemble 2 is an extension of the larger ensemble experience. The jazz ensemble reflects the traditional Big Band instrumentation of saxophone, trumpet, trombone and rhythm sections. Students enrolled in this class learn the basics of the jazz style, sound, balance and terminology. Students are introduced to jazz improvisation and its relationship with scales and chord progressions. This is a performance class; therefore, students are expected to attend all rehearsals, sectionals and performances.
Rehearsals and Sectionals
Students always find a place to learn jazz at Newport – with two separate daily rehearsing bands, students are guaranteed a spot after they complete the audition process. Once a member, these students receive instruction designed to give them the necessary skills to perform and compete at the highest level they possibly can. Students receive, as part of their membership in the bands, complimentary sectional instruction from Music Works Northwest paid for by the Newport Band Parents Association (NBPA). These sectionals provide our students with the unique opportunity to refine their technique within their instrumental section under the guidance of local professionals.
Guest Artists
In addition, recent well-known guest artists that have worked with the jazz band in the past include Wycliffe Gordon, Tom Scott, G.E. Smith and Ronald Carter. The opportunity to meet and learn from such fantastic jazz leaders has proven to be among our students’ favorite high school memories and is an integral part of their music education.
Performances
Students have the chance to perform in an extensive variety of venues. Regional festivals in the fall, the holiday concert in December, Crossroads mall in January, jazz festivals in February, competitions in the spring, home and zone concerts throughout the spring semester… students are never short on opportunities to perform for an audience. This exciting and dynamic performing experience gives students that chance to refine their stage skills and soloing abilities.