Swing into Excellence
The Glenwood Jazz Bands program offers students the opportunity to explore and perform America's original art form through two distinct ensembles. Our jazz program emphasizes the development of improvisation skills, stylistic understanding, and the joy of creative musical expression.
Through our jazz program, students learn the rich history of jazz music while developing essential skills in swing, funk, Latin, and contemporary jazz styles. Regular performances and special events throughout the year showcase our students' growth and achievements.
The GHS Jazz Ensemble is a curricular jazz group made up of the top instrumental jazz musicians at GHS. With focus on developing proper style, technique, and improvisational skills, this ensemble performs advanced level jazz, funk, and latin music. Placements are selected based on auditions held during the Spring semester.
Members of the Jazz Ensemble explore a diverse repertoire ranging from classic big band arrangements to contemporary jazz compositions. Students develop advanced improvisational techniques through regular solo opportunities and specialized instruction. The ensemble performs at multiple concerts throughout the year, including our annual Jazz Night and various community events.
Jazz Ensemble members often participate in jazz festivals and workshops, where they receive feedback from professional jazz musicians and educators. Many of our alumni have gone on to perform in collegiate jazz ensembles and pursue careers in jazz performance or music education. The ensemble provides an excellent foundation for students interested in continuing their jazz studies beyond high school.
The GHS Jazz Lab Band is an extra curricular, non-auditioned jazz ensemble open to all students wanting to learn more about the jazz medium. This ensemble is made up of developing instrumental jazz musicians and students learning secondary instruments.
In Jazz Lab Band, students are introduced to fundamental jazz concepts including swing style, basic improvisation, and various jazz rhythms. Our experienced directors provide supportive instruction in jazz articulation, phrasing, and ensemble playing. The group performs selections from standard jazz repertoire, helping students build confidence in this exciting musical style.
The ensemble meets after school and provides a welcoming environment for students to explore jazz music. Many Jazz Lab Band members progress to Jazz Ensemble after developing their skills. Students are encouraged to experiment with improvisation and are given opportunities to perform solos in a supportive setting. The Jazz Lab Band performs at school concerts and participates in educational jazz festivals throughout the year.