ELK RIVER HIGH SCHOOL

The Elk River Jazz Ensembles have a tradition of great musicians and performances for many years. This has propelled them to earn Superior Ratings at the annual MSHSL Jazz Contest consistently, perform around the state of Minnesota and just this last year earn 1st place at the Eau Claire Jazz Festival . The Jazz bands regularly are involved performances outside the school day as far away as San Diego, New Orleans, New York and Chicago and universities in the Minnesota and Wisconsin areas They are the home band for our annual swing dances that have attracted 1000s over the past 8 years.  Expand your idea of music in the jazz ensemble.  There's a place for everyone here.

Important dates:
September 4th - Jazz Audition Materials available. 
September 23rd - Jazz Auditions begin - WW - Monday, Brass - Tuesday, Rhythm Section - Wednesday. Before, during and after school.
September 30th -  Grand Jazz Band - Everyone meets at 6:30 am - don't be late.
November 11th - Black Elk Jazz Ensemble performs at the annual Veterans Day Concert
December - Visit Middle School and play some tunes.
December 13th - Jazz and Percussion Night 7 pm - Zabee Theater
February 3rd - Midwinter Concert 
March 6th - ERHS SWING DANCE
April 7th - Jazz Contest
​April 24th-26th - Eau Claire Jazz Festival
​April 30th - Evening of the Arts


Requirements for Jazz Musicians:
  1. Jazz Musicians must be enrolled in band during the school day or making an effort to become enrolled in band to participate in the jazz program.
  2. All students must have the Standard of Excellence Advanced Jazz Ensemble by Dean Sorenson - available through the band office
  3. Brass players must have all the appropriate mutes:  Straight, Cup, Harmon, plunger
  4. Saxophonists should purchase a jazz mouthpiece and use Vandoren Jazz Reeds


Suggestions for all Jazz Students:
  1. Purchase the Jamey Aebersold Volume 1: How to play Jazz and Improvise 
  2. Improvise everyday!
  3. Take some lessons.
  4. Record yourself and critique it.
  5. Find professionals that play your instrument and listen to them and then try to emulate them.

COMPONENTS AND LEVELS OF JAZZ EDUCATION

MBDA 9-10 ALL STATE JAZZ ENSEMBLE

erhs_jazz_info_sheet_16-17.pdf
File Size: 43 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File
HOW TO GET IN THE JAZZ BAND
1. SIGN UP FOR YOUR AUDITION TIME
2. FILL OUT THE JAZZ STUDENT INFORMATION FORM
3. DOWNLOAD INSTRUCTIONS AND SONGSHEET
4. PRACTICE FOR YOUR AUDITION WITH THE RECORDING
5. SHOW UP FOR AUDITION
Auditions Time Sign Up  CLICK HERE

Jazz Student Information Form - CLICK HERE

AUDITION MUSIC IN FILES BELOW 

Link to recording: CLICK HERE
Everyone download this file and pick up your part of "Things Ain't What They Used To Be"
erhs_jazz_audition_instructions.docx
File Size: 120 kb
File Type: docx
Download File
Vocalists, download these files and choose one song to sing
them_there_eyes.pdf
File Size: 1063 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File
my_funny_valentine.pdf
File Size: 1086 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File
a_foggy_day.pdf
File Size: 1071 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

2018-19 MUSIC

Blues For Thara - Dave Mills
​M Bistro - Dean Sorenson
​Happy - John Ellis arranged by Jamey Simmons
Big Time - Gregory Yasinitsky
Blueberry Jam - Rick Stitzel
Birk's Works - John Birks "Dizzy" Gillespie arranged by Mark Taylor
Blue Train - John Coltrane arranged by Michael Sweeney

SIGN UP FOR REMIND: TEXT @blackelk or @redelk to 81010 
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JAZZ TOUR 2020 - EAU CLAIRE, WI 

​Friday April 24th to Sunday April 26th, the Elk River Jazz Ensembles will be going to the Eau Claire Jazz Festival.  We will meet at 2:30 pm to depart for Eau Claire, WI.  We will be taking a coach bus to the University of Wisconsin, EC arriving sometime around 5 pm.  Please bring snacks along, as we will not be stopping.  Movies are sometimes an option on the bus; bring something appropriate if you wish.
  1.  You must bring dress clothes for the performance however; you can wear casual clothes otherwise.  Dress comfortably for the bus ride.
  2. You are responsible for bringing your instrument.   No instruments other than a piano shall be provided.  Do not be the one that forgets music, instrument parts, mutes, oil, reeds, etc.
  3. The performances will happen on Saturday Time TBD with a 30-minute warm up prior to the performance.
  4. We will also be doing a sight reading session in the Black Elk Jazz Ensemble.
  5. Bring money for 1 lunch and 2 dinners and possibly an evening snack.  I suggest $45 to cover it.
  6. We will be staying at the Marriot Fairfield Inn and Suites.
  7. Breakfast at the hotel is provided. Check the schedule to be given for the rest of the times.
  8. Remember you are on a school sponsored trip and your behavior is expected to be exemplary.
  9. If your jazz fee is not paid, you must pay it in order to be able to go.   I have a list.
  10. You can contact me by email while we are on this trip at [email protected].
  11. Do not bring a large suitcase.  You may however bring blankets and a pillow for the bus.