The Jazz Factory: 2018 Season
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“What is the Jazz Factory?”
The Middle School Jazz Factory is an extra-curricular jazz band that rehearses once a week. This year, rehearsals will be after school on Thursdays until 4:00pm.
Typical instrumentation for jazz ensembles include trumpets, trombones, alto, tenor and baritone saxophones, a drum set, guitar, bass guitar, piano, clarinet and often, a vibraphone. We perform two concerts with the High School Jazz Factory in the spring: Knoebels (May TBA) and The Pops Concert (TBA). We are actively looking for more performance opportunities.
The Jazz Factory consists of many enthusiastic middle school students. Rehearsals are more laid back and consist of different repertoire often found in concert band. We improvise (make up stuff) and explore different styles and jazz musicians.
This year, the director of the Jazz Factory will be Mr. John Obringer, our 6th grade Band Director and HS Band Director.
“What is jazz?!”
Louis Armstrong said, "Jazz is music that's never played the same way once." Ralph Ellison said, "Jazz is an art of individual assertion within and against the group..."
It's been called the most American form of music. It's actually been called a lot of things, but we call it jazz, the musical style of improvisation, African-American rhythms and European-American performance. That's just one definition of jazz music. Other people define jazz by the feelings it creates, the smooth and unrestricted sounds, or the attitude of freedom and cool that it embodies. However you define it, jazz music has been a major part of America's musical landscape.
But if it's so important, why is it so hard to define? Well, to quote jazz musician J.J. Johnson, 'Jazz is restless.' Jazz music bends and moves, incorporating new styles and sounds. It's musical freedom. Poetic, right? What can I say; I just love jazz, whatever it is. And I think you will, too!
“Jazz sounds like the best thing ever, and I want to be a member NOW!”
Yes, of course you do! Jazz is amazing. To become a member of the JAZZ FACTORY, please return a jazz band interest form that Mr. Mowery passed out (you can download it above, or under DOWNLOADS). There are no auditions for 7th/8th graders.
Students who miss a considerable amount of rehearsals (more than 2 a month) may lose their chair. Please speak with Mr. Obringer if you wish to be a member but foresee conflicts, and we will work something out. We can always worth something out... with communication!
Jazz Band is an extra-curricular activity. It is understood that students are involved in (several) other extra-curricular activities and it is even expected that they may have to miss every now and then. We expect communication about whether or not students will make it to rehearsals to prepare accordingly. The success of the ensemble depends on its members being present as much as possible.
The Middle School Jazz Factory is an extra-curricular jazz band that rehearses once a week. This year, rehearsals will be after school on Thursdays until 4:00pm.
Typical instrumentation for jazz ensembles include trumpets, trombones, alto, tenor and baritone saxophones, a drum set, guitar, bass guitar, piano, clarinet and often, a vibraphone. We perform two concerts with the High School Jazz Factory in the spring: Knoebels (May TBA) and The Pops Concert (TBA). We are actively looking for more performance opportunities.
The Jazz Factory consists of many enthusiastic middle school students. Rehearsals are more laid back and consist of different repertoire often found in concert band. We improvise (make up stuff) and explore different styles and jazz musicians.
This year, the director of the Jazz Factory will be Mr. John Obringer, our 6th grade Band Director and HS Band Director.
“What is jazz?!”
Louis Armstrong said, "Jazz is music that's never played the same way once." Ralph Ellison said, "Jazz is an art of individual assertion within and against the group..."
It's been called the most American form of music. It's actually been called a lot of things, but we call it jazz, the musical style of improvisation, African-American rhythms and European-American performance. That's just one definition of jazz music. Other people define jazz by the feelings it creates, the smooth and unrestricted sounds, or the attitude of freedom and cool that it embodies. However you define it, jazz music has been a major part of America's musical landscape.
But if it's so important, why is it so hard to define? Well, to quote jazz musician J.J. Johnson, 'Jazz is restless.' Jazz music bends and moves, incorporating new styles and sounds. It's musical freedom. Poetic, right? What can I say; I just love jazz, whatever it is. And I think you will, too!
“Jazz sounds like the best thing ever, and I want to be a member NOW!”
Yes, of course you do! Jazz is amazing. To become a member of the JAZZ FACTORY, please return a jazz band interest form that Mr. Mowery passed out (you can download it above, or under DOWNLOADS). There are no auditions for 7th/8th graders.
Students who miss a considerable amount of rehearsals (more than 2 a month) may lose their chair. Please speak with Mr. Obringer if you wish to be a member but foresee conflicts, and we will work something out. We can always worth something out... with communication!
Jazz Band is an extra-curricular activity. It is understood that students are involved in (several) other extra-curricular activities and it is even expected that they may have to miss every now and then. We expect communication about whether or not students will make it to rehearsals to prepare accordingly. The success of the ensemble depends on its members being present as much as possible.