The Grapevine High School Jazz Bands offer students the opportunity to explore the exciting world of jazz through performance, collaboration, and creativity. Designed for musicians of all skill levels, the program focuses on developing proficiency in jazz techniques, improvisation, and ensemble playing. Students learn a wide range of jazz styles, from classic swing to modern jazz, and gain hands-on experience in a dynamic, supportive environment.
In addition to our regular performances, our students also compete in local jazz festivals, where they have the opportunity to showcase their talents, gain feedback from professional musicians, and engage with a community of like-minded young musicians. These experiences help students develop confidence, refine their skills, and inspire them to reach new musical heights.
Many of our students also participate in the prestigious Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) All-State process, auditioning to earn a spot in the state's top honor ensembles. This highly competitive process challenges students to prepare and perform at their very best, while also providing them with an opportunity to grow through rigorous practice and mentorship. Being selected for an All-State ensemble is a remarkable achievement and a testament to our students’ dedication and talent.
Jazz I - Directed by Mr. Sandre
The Jazz I ensemble at Grapevine High School is the flagship jazz ensemble in the band program. Students in this ensemble are admitted by audition in the Spring semester and are selectively chosen to create a rigorous, yet fun and expressive musical environment. Jazz I competes in the Varsity track in local/national competitions, and performs publicly on a regular basis. Listed below are the requirements and core concepts for students in Jazz I.
Jazz I Curriculum:
- Develop high level improvisational skills in multiple keys and forms
- Transcription, ear training, active listening skills
- Understanding of music/jazz theory, and jazz vocabulary
-Preparation and performance of a variety of musical styles
-Development of musical fluency through regular sight reading
-Knowledge of jazz history
Requirements:
- Participate in the TMEA All-Region Jazz process
- 1 Transcription Project per Semester
- Availability for all performances, contests, and recording sessions
-Strong track record of attendance, behavior, grades, and class performance
Jazz II - Directed by Ms. Milton
The Jazz II ensemble at Grapevine High School is a place for students to begin their journey in the jazz medium. Many students in Jazz II choose to play secondary instruments to fit the traditional instrumentation of a big band. Students in Jazz II compete in the non-varsity track at local/national competitions, and perform publicly on a regular basis. Listed below are the requirements and core concepts for students in Jazz II.
Jazz II Curriculum:
- Develop a basic understanding of improvisation in common keys and forms
- Development of listening skills, understanding of common jazz styles
- Fundamental jazz skills (scales, arpeggios, sound concept, etc.)
-Preparation and performance of a variety of musical styles
-Development of musical fluency through regular sight reading
-Knowledge of jazz history
Requirements:
- Availability for all performances, contests, and recording sessions
-Strong track record of attendance, behavior, grades, and class performance
Join us and experience the rhythm, harmony, and excitement of jazz!
In addition to our regular performances, our students also compete in local jazz festivals, where they have the opportunity to showcase their talents, gain feedback from professional musicians, and engage with a community of like-minded young musicians. These experiences help students develop confidence, refine their skills, and inspire them to reach new musical heights.
Many of our students also participate in the prestigious Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) All-State process, auditioning to earn a spot in the state's top honor ensembles. This highly competitive process challenges students to prepare and perform at their very best, while also providing them with an opportunity to grow through rigorous practice and mentorship. Being selected for an All-State ensemble is a remarkable achievement and a testament to our students’ dedication and talent.
Jazz I - Directed by Mr. Sandre
The Jazz I ensemble at Grapevine High School is the flagship jazz ensemble in the band program. Students in this ensemble are admitted by audition in the Spring semester and are selectively chosen to create a rigorous, yet fun and expressive musical environment. Jazz I competes in the Varsity track in local/national competitions, and performs publicly on a regular basis. Listed below are the requirements and core concepts for students in Jazz I.
Jazz I Curriculum:
- Develop high level improvisational skills in multiple keys and forms
- Transcription, ear training, active listening skills
- Understanding of music/jazz theory, and jazz vocabulary
-Preparation and performance of a variety of musical styles
-Development of musical fluency through regular sight reading
-Knowledge of jazz history
Requirements:
- Participate in the TMEA All-Region Jazz process
- 1 Transcription Project per Semester
- Availability for all performances, contests, and recording sessions
-Strong track record of attendance, behavior, grades, and class performance
Jazz II - Directed by Ms. Milton
The Jazz II ensemble at Grapevine High School is a place for students to begin their journey in the jazz medium. Many students in Jazz II choose to play secondary instruments to fit the traditional instrumentation of a big band. Students in Jazz II compete in the non-varsity track at local/national competitions, and perform publicly on a regular basis. Listed below are the requirements and core concepts for students in Jazz II.
Jazz II Curriculum:
- Develop a basic understanding of improvisation in common keys and forms
- Development of listening skills, understanding of common jazz styles
- Fundamental jazz skills (scales, arpeggios, sound concept, etc.)
-Preparation and performance of a variety of musical styles
-Development of musical fluency through regular sight reading
-Knowledge of jazz history
Requirements:
- Availability for all performances, contests, and recording sessions
-Strong track record of attendance, behavior, grades, and class performance
Join us and experience the rhythm, harmony, and excitement of jazz!