Welcome
to the LHS Jazz Program

Dear Parents/Guardians and jazz students,
Welcome to the Lexington High School Jazz Program and congratulations on making jazz music part of your academic studies! This online handbook has been compiled for students in the jazz program and their parents as a source of important course information, such as course expectations, our grading policy and the jazz performance schedule.  There is also information included about the other jazz classes we offer.

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. Jazz is a sophisticated and uniquely American idiom; students will work to understand this idiom through listening, playing, writing and performing. In the jazz improvisation courses, students will learn to manipulate jazz through improvisation and composition. In the jazz ensembles, students will work to acquire the knowledge, understanding and skills that lead to a polished large-group performance. Our other goals in the classes and ensembles include creating an atmosphere of thoughtful reflection and critical thinking, and fostering a community in which students respect the music, the ensemble and each other.

A private music teacher is of crucial importance in guiding a young musician to his or her highest possible level of achievement.  One great resource is Lexington Community Education, which organizes a private lesson program that employs some of the area’s best private instructors, many of whom have experience in jazz and can include jazz topics in their teaching.  Lessons are taught every day after school right at LHS. We hope you will consider taking advantage of this program!  (Please visit http://www.lexingtoncommunityed.org/ for more information.)

Please make sure to read the rest of this handbook very carefully. All jazz students are responsible for knowing and understanding the information herein. Please take note of all pertinent concert dates and include them on your family planning calendar! Also take a moment to read about the other classes and performance opportunities we offer. Once you have finished reviewing the handbook, please sign and return the Jazz Band 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