The Jazzschool offers numerous performance ensembles for beginning, intermediate, and advanced instrumentalists and vocalists, each of which develops a set of music to be performed for friends and family as part of the end-of-quarter Jazzschool Student Performance Series in Hardymon Hall!
Students are placed in skill-level appropriate ensembles by audition. Audition requirements may include one or more of the following: playing selected scales; playing and/or improvising over a piece of your choice; improvising over a 12-bar blues or other skill-level appropriate pieces provided at the audition; and sight-reading. Drummers are asked to play various grooves and to solo. Bassists are asked to play stylistically appropriate bass lines. To schedule an audition or for more information about Jazzschool ensembles, please contact Rob Ewing, Community Music School Director, at 510-845-5373 x 14 or email rob@jazzschool.org.
Please click here for a list of Jazzschool ensemble audition requirements.
Jazz & Blues Ensembles
Beginning Jazz Ensemble
An intro-level ensemble focused on learning jazz standards, developing improvisation skills, and putting jazz theory into practice. Students develop familiarity with various common jazz feels, and learn to improvise over typical chord progressions.
Thursdays 6:30 – 8 pm
10 weeks (1/12 – 3/15)
rob ewing $365
McCain Jazz Ensemble
Section I (Int)
A jazz ensemble focusing on improvising over chord changes, playing with good time, and other skills needed to perform with others. Emphasis on standard mainstream styles: blues, standards, swing, bebop, AABA forms, ballads and bossa novas.
Tuesdays 4:30 – 6 pm
10 weeks (1/10 – 3/13)
seward mccain $365
Section II (Int)
Students are challenged by slightly faster tempos and more involved tunes. Unusual keys, uncommon tune structures, and more challenging melodies are presented along with standard material. Original compositions are welcome. Scales and modes are presented to be used specifically with the given material. Class focuses on the music of Miles Davis, A.C. Jobim, Art Blakey, Cal Tjader, Oscar Peterson and many “Blue Note” era artists.
Tuesdays 6:30 – 8 pm
10 weeks (1/10 – 3/13)
seward mccain $365
Section III (Int/Adv)
Students are introduced to jazz compositions with involved forms, melodies, harmonies, and rhythms. Emphasis on application of dynamics and jazz articulation. Advanced scales and modes are also introduced and applied. Ensemble repertoire includes pieces by Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, Bill Evans, Joe Henderson, George Mraz, and numerous European composers.
Tuesdays 8:15 – 9:45 pm
10 weeks (1/10 – 3/13)
seward mccain $365
Jazz Standards for Gigs
This ensemble focuses on developing the skills and repertoire needed for typical jazz gigs. Repertoire, intros, endings, interludes and tags are covered. Various jazz feels including swing, bossa, jazz waltz and ballads are studied and played. Class time is also dedicated to the study of jazz harmony, as applied to selected standard repertoire. Instructor also provides tips for soloing.
Section I
Thursdays 6:30 – 8 pm
10 weeks (1/12– 3/15)
Section II
Saturdays 10 – 11:30 am
Section III
Saturdays 11:45 – 1:15 pm
Section IV
Saturdays 1:30 – 3 pm
10 weeks (1/14 – 3/17)
glenn richman $365
Section V
Wednesdays noon – 1:30 pm
10 weeks (1/11 – 3/14)
dave scott $365
Music of the Masters
An intermediate-level ensemble focusing on compositions by jazz masters including Coltrane, Monk, Shorter and others. Emphasis on understanding and internalizing a variety of essential grooves. Class time is also dedicated to the study of jazz harmony, as applied to selected jazz repertoire. Instructor also provides tips for soloing.
Thursdays 8:15 – 9:45 pm
10 weeks (1/12 – 3/15)
glenn richman $365
Seeling Jazz Ensemble
An intermediate/advanced ensemble focusing on post-bebop styles, including hard bop, fusion, soul-jazz, blues, Latin and jazz-funk. Students develop a varied jazz repertoire while studying the theory and practice of improvisation and various horn and rhythm section techniques. As a performing ensemble, students also study the performance practices of each style. Class focuses on the music of Wayne Shorter, Horace Silver, Lee Morgan, Joe Henderson, Freddie Hubbard, Cannonball Adderley, Joe Zawinul, and others.
Thursdays 6:30 – 8 pm
10 weeks (1/12 – 3/15)
ellen seeling $365
Blues and Groove Workshop
A performance workshop focusing on the blues and blues-related styles. Emphasis on groove as demonstrated through recordings of Charlie Christian, T-Bone Walker, Albert Collins, Jack McDuff, Louis Jordan and other “jump” blues and New Orleans masters.
Prerequisites: knowledge of basic 12-bar blues.
Saturdays 1:30 – 3 pm
10 weeks (1/14 – 3/17)
danny caron $365
Post-Bop Ensemble
This intermediate- to advanced-level ensemble focuses on contemporary post-bop styles of jazz from the 1960s to the present. Repertoire is drawn from artists including Joe Henderson, Chick Corea, Charles Lloyd, Cedar Walton, Wayne Shorter, John Scofield and others. Strong emphasis placed on group communication and interaction.
Wednesdays 6:30 – 8 pm
10 weeks (1/11 – 3/14)
steve erquiaga $365
Miles Davis/Wayne Shorter Ensemble
An intermediate- to advanced-level ensemble focusing on the music of Miles Davis and Wayne Shorter from the mid-1960s through the 1980s. Repertoire is drawn from such albums as Miles Smiles, ESP, Filles de Kilimanjaro, Speak No Evil, Bitches Brew, In a Silent Way, Native Dancer and Jack Johnson. Strong emphasis placed on group communication and interaction.
Wednesdays 8:15 – 9:45 pm
10 weeks (1/11 – 3/14)
steve erquiaga $365
New Class!
Post-Bop Innovators of the Late 60s and Early 70s
This ensemble, taught by visiting faculty member Art Lande, focuses on the music of great composer/performers with strong Bay Area ties including Bobby Hutcherson, Woody Shaw, Andrew Hill, and Joe Henderson — all musicians Art played with in the 1970s. Students work on music in solo, duo, trio, and larger formats depending on the instrumentation in the class and learn about the melodic, harmonic, and rhythmic implications and language of this era. For intermediate and advanced musicians with some skills in reading and theory knowledge.
Wednesdays 8:15 – 9:45 pm
9 weeks (1/11 – 3/21)
art lande $329
Piano Trio
This hands-on performance class for intermediate to advanced pianists focuses on how to play most effectively in the traditional jazz piano trio format. Maximum class size: four pianists, one drummer. Accompaniment provided by a professional bassist.
Prerequisites: ability to play and improvise over a jazz tune in time.
Section I Mondays 5:00 – 6:30 pm
Section II Mondays 6:45 – 8:15 pm
Section III Mondays 8:30 – 10 pm
10 weeks (1/9 – 3/19)
peter horvath $390
Section IV
Saturdays 11:45 am – 1:15 pm
10 weeks (1/14 – 3/17)
mark levine $390
Guitar Trio
In this intermediate/advanced hands-on class, students focus on group interaction and dynamics, soloing, comping for bass solos, trading fours with the drummer, building repertoire, and finally, getting gigs! Maximum enrollment: four guitarists, one bassist, one drummer.
Prerequisites: ability to play and improvise over a jazz tune in time.
Mondays 8:15 – 9:45 pm
10 weeks (1/9 – 3/19)
mimi fox $365
Organ Trio Plus Horns
An ensemble in the traditional organ trio format: organ, drums and electric guitar plus horns, focusing on the blues, jazz standards and classic organ tunes by masters including Jimmy Smith, Jimmy McGriff, Dr. Lonnie Smith and Larry Young. Special attention given to developing good bass lines! Open to: 2 organists, 2 guitarists, 1 drummer and 2–3 horn players.
Prerequisites: Organists: ability to play through the blues and several jazz standards; knowledge of walking bass lines is extremely helpful. Guitarists and horn players: ability to comp/solo through standard tunes. Drummers: an understanding of form.
Tuesdays 4:30 – 6 pm
10 weeks (1/10 – 3/13)
wil blades $365
Evolution of the Modern Jazz Rhythm Section
This course provides an overview of the development and influence of great jazz rhythm sections. In addition, the class takes a hands-on look at what these rhythm sections are doing and why it works. Students study the rhythm section both as individual members and as a unit. Emphasis is on playing standard jazz in a variety of time signatures and feels. Additional musical styles that relate to modern jazz are also examined. Students also work on chart reading, ear training, and transcription and analysis.
Tuesdays 6:30 – 8 pm
10 weeks (1/10 – 3/13)
andrew emer $365
From Baroque to Bebop — Saxophone Ensemble
A saxophone ensemble led by San Francisco Saxophone Quartet alto saxophonist Bill Aron. Repertoire includes original pieces, transcriptions and arrangements from the baroque to the bebop periods.
Prerequisites: facility on a saxophone and basic reading skills.
Day and time: TBA
(10 weeks)
bill aron $365
Thursday Night Big Band
A 19-piece performance ensemble covering standard jazz and blues repertoire from 1930 to the present. This band has several performance opportunities at the Jazzschool and other venues throughout the Bay Area and serves as a vehicle to preview student compositions/arrangements. Instrumentation: 5 saxes; 5 trumpets; 5 trombones; piano; bass; drums; and guitar. Three-quarter commitment required. (fall, winter, spring).
Thursdays 8:15 – 10:15 pm
10 weeks (1/12 – 3/15)
david lefebvre $255
