The Liberty High School Jazz Ensembles

The Liberty High School Jazz Ensemble meets as a class during the school day to explore techniques of improvisation, style, and rhythmical complexity of the Jazz art forms. Membership is open to all interested students enrolled in an instrumental music performance class at Liberty High School (Band or Orchestra). Rehearsals begin at the start of the school year.

Some students also choose to participate in extra-curricular Jazz Combos where they have an opportunity to perform "for hire" gigs for people in the community looking for live musicians. It is a great "real world" experience for the students. These groups are put together by the instructor.

Students enrolled in the Liberty High School Jazz Ensemble participate in several concerts and festivals throughout the year. If you are signed up for Jazz Band, you are expected to be at all concerts, no exceptions.

LISTENING EXAMPLES:
If you need copies of listening examples, please request to borrow them from Mr. Donley.

Required Materials for Class:

1. Your instrument (including any accessories you need for your instrument: mutes, valve oil, reeds, neck straps, chords, picks, cork grease, slide grease, etc.)

2. Required Book: JAZZ CONCEPTION by Jim Snidero

This book is available for every instrument and can be purchased or ordered at any music store. Rhythm Section should purchase both available books. Piano should get the solo book as well as the comping book. Bass should get the solo book as well as the bass line book. The Drum Book is a great reference book for drummers to use, and they should own it.

Bassists, Drummers, Trumpets, Saxophonists, and Trombonists, must be enrolled in band. These musicians are also HIGHLY ENCOURAGED to study privately on their instrument.

Guitarists and Pianists do not need to be enrolled in band or orchestra, but are welcome to join band on a secondary instrument. Guitarists and Pianists MUST study privately on their instruments in order to sign up for Jazz Band.