Jazz: What to Expect
What to Expect
Early May – Current grade 8th-11th grade jazz students audition for Jazz band placement for the following year.
November – MIHS Jazz Bands perform at Eastshore Jazz Festival
Mid-December – All Jazz Bands play in the IMS Commons as it is transformed into a Jazz nightclub at the Winter Jazz Night.
January – Jazz Ensemble and Morning Jazz 1 to EWU Jazz Dialogue Festival
February – MIHS Jazz Bands enjoy a weekend at the Jazz Symposium; 8th Grade Jazz to Eastshore Jazz Festival
March – 8th grade Jazz attends Frontier Jazz Festival; MIHS Jazz bands attend Mead Jazz Festival; Jazz bands participate in the MIFAAC sponsored Fine Arts Showcase
April – All jazz bands play in the Mercer Island School District Jazz Band Concert
May – All jazz bands play in Bellevue Jazz Festival; Auditions for following year Jazz bands; Jazz ensemble plays Mother’s Day gig at Tula’s
June – End of year MIHS Jazz Band Concert
At MIHS, two morning Jazz Bands and the Jazz Ensemble accommodates all Mercer Island High School students with an interest in playing jazz. In addition, all interested seventh and eighth grade students also have the opportunity to play in the IMS Jazz Bands.
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Auditions
Students audition in the Spring for placement in one of the High School Jazz Bands. The 7th and 8th Grade Jazz bands are open to all interested students.
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Rehearsals
The MIHS Jazz Ensemble meets as a class during 7th period. Sectionals and additional out-of-class rehearsals should also be expected. The MIHS morning Jazz Bands and IMS Jazz Bands meet two days a week before school.
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Festivals and Travel
All district Jazz bands perform and travel to festivals during the school year, sometimes during class time or on weekends.