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The Jazz program has been a staple of MCMS programming for many years.
The school offers two levels of Jazz Ensembles. Both require a more advanced playing level overall, the NH Youth Jazz Ensemble is designed for high level student musicians with limited jazz experience, while the NH Jazz Orchestra is comprised of high level musicians with significant jazz playing experience.
This ensemble provides intermediate to advanced level musicians a guided approach to jazz playing. Repertoire is directed in a comprehensive fashion and is heavily balanced between interpretation and improvisation of the genre while playing in a controlled “jam session” environment. The Jazz Ensemble provides a unique opportunity for strong musicians who haven’t has a lot of exposure to jazz playing to gain confidence in their jazz ensemble techniques and refine their individual musicianship.
Please come to your audition prepared to: Perform two pieces, approximately 2 minutes in duration. One piece should be a ballad and the other a piece of medium tempo. Play concert scales Bb, C, Eb, and D Sight read a piece chosen by the director
The NH Jazz Orchestra is a high level, multi-generational performance group who share a passion and excitement for Big Band music. Rehearsing weekly under the direction of Clayton “Skip” Poole and his son, assistant director CJ Poole this group performs out frequently at venues such as the Rex Theater, Rockingham Ballroom, and for featured concerts at the Music School.
“Skip” brings more than forty years of professional big band performing experience to the ensemble, having worked with such luminaries as Mel Torme, Cab Calloway, Rosemary Clooney, Andy Williams, and Johnny Mathis to name only a few.
Manchester Community Music School
2291 Elm Street
Manchester, NH 03104
Photos by Carlo DiPersio