Jazz Nights at the
Lincoln Theatre

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 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

Jazz at Lincoln Center
Essential Ellington Recordings

http://jalc.org/learn/teachers-students/essentially-ellington

MVHS Jazz Media