Come and listen to one of Washington’s premier jazz programs! These jazz bands are part of the nationally‐known Fine Arts department at Mount Vernon High School. This program is committed to maintaining the vibrant, unique American art form that is jazz. Musicians of all levels are given the opportunity to learn, play, perform and compete at local venues and festivals. Come relax and enjoy the wonderful music of Nestico, Ellington, Miles Davis, Marvin Fisher, Count Basie and much more!
Tickets: $6.00 General Admission
Lincoln Theater: (Map Below) 712 South 1st Street Mount Vernon, WA 98273
MVHS Jazz Ensembles
Jazz I Big Band - Audition Required
This jazz I band is designed for the most advanced jazz instrumental musicians.
The jazz band performs intermediate to advanced levels of literature from
various selected eras of musical history. In addition to the techniques of
rehearsal and performance, the students develop theory, improvisational skills
and historical knowledge of the music performed. Membership in Jazz I is open
to students of any grade who qualifies through audition. Membership is required in one of
the concert-ensembles.
Jazz II Big Band
Jazz II provides an opportunity for students interested in performing music in the jazz idiom. Emphasis is placed on development of swing, Latin, rock, and contemporary styles of repertoire as well as performance and improvisation in all mediums. Membership in Jazz II is open to students of any grade who qualifies through audition. Membership is required in one of the concert ensembles.
Jazz III Big Band
Jazz III is designed for beginner musicians who are just starting in the world of jazz.
Jazz Combo - 7:00 to 7:45am
The most common ensemble in jazz is the small group or combo. These
groups are often named according to the number of members - two is a
duo, three a trio, four a quartet, five a quintet, six a sextet, seven
a septet, eight an octet, nine a nonet.
The usual instrumentation for a combo has changed over time but has
generally included one to three horn players and a rhythm section
consisting of a chordal instrument, a bass instrument, and percussion.
This type of instrumentation offers the members considerable
flexibility in that the players can improvise much of their own parts
without the chaos that would ensue if a larger ensemble offered its
members as much freedom. Yet because all the major categories or roles
of instruments are covered - melody, chordal, bass, and percussion - a
well-balanced sound can be achieved.
Notable Achievements of Jazz Program
2012-2013 - Combo Trip to New Orleans
2011-2012 - KPLU School Of Jazz CD - Outstanding Trombone Soloists, Bellevue College Jazz Festival - Outstanding Trombone Soloists, Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival Emma Eliason - Outstanding Vibraphone Soloists, Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival Greg Pollock
2010 - 2011 - KPLU School Of Jazz CD - Outstanding Alto Sax Soloist, Columbia Basin Jazz Festival Jacob Yansen
2009 - 2010 - 1st place gold Award, Vancouver BC Heritage Festival - Outstanding Band Award, Vancouver BC Heritage Festival - Adjudicator Award, Vancouver BC Heritage Festival
