Welcome
to the LHS Jazz Program
Welcome to the Lexington High School Jazz Program and congratulations on making jazz music a part of your academic studies! This handbook is compiled for students in the Jazz Program and their parents to provide information regarding the various policies, procedures and expectations of the classes and ensembles.

The goal of the Jazz Program is to provide each individual musician with the opportunity to actively participate in the creation of art via the medium of jazz music. In our classes and ensembles, students will be exposed to the sophisticated and uniquely American idiom of jazz; the goal is for each student to come to understand this idiom through listening, playing, writing and performing. In the jazz improvisation courses, students will additionally learn to manipulate jazz through improvisation and composition. In the jazz ensembles, our vehicle for creating musical art is to a great extent the ensemble itself; hence, central to attaining our artistic goals is the achievement of ensemble performance excellence, through the growth of each student in the areas of knowledge, understanding and skills. Our other goals in the classes and ensembles include creating an atmosphere of thoughtful reflection and critical thinking and creating a community of mutual appreciation among students.

A copy of our performance schedule has been included. Please take note of all concert dates and include them on your family planning calendar. You will also find information about our other ensembles and additional performance opportunities open to students in the music department.

This year we will once again offer our private lesson program. We cannot stress enough how important the role of the private music teacher is in guiding a young musician to his or her highest possible level of achievement. Many of our instructors have experience in jazz and can include jazz topics in what they teach. We hope you will consider taking advantage of their expertise.

Please make sure to read the rest of this handbook very carefully. All jazz students are responsible for knowing and understanding the information herein. Once you have finished reviewing the handbook, please sign and return the Jazz Program Handbook Form, which will be distributed during the first class meeting.

Lastly, please do not hesitate to ask us questions; we are here for you! Let’s have a great year.

jazz program introduction- page 1

jazz course offerings and faculty- page 2

jazz performance schedule - page 3

jazz improvisation - page 4

jazz ensemble and big band - page 5