Intended for both enthusiasts and serious musicians, the Jazz Program at CCM Preparatory seeks to develop competent, knowledgeable and expressive musicians through active experiences. Instruction in jazz guitar, bass, saxophone, percussion and piano as well as a variety of ensembles are open to all ages.  For lessons, please read the private lesson information on page.

Jazz Combo

Click here for spring 2013 combo policies and schedules

For students in grade 9 and older; adults welcome
Jennifer Grantham, director

This group is aimed at motivated musicians and learners who want to perform jazz music in a small group setting. The members of the Jazz Combos will learn to jazz standards and contemporary tunes with a primary emphasis on improvisation and small group interaction. There will be on- and off-campus performance opportunities throughout the each session (6 rehearsals and 2 performances).

Audition requirements: Drums -- Demonstrate the following styles or grooves:  medium swing, Latin, rock, and uptempo swing; sight reading. All other instruments -- major scales (up to 4 sharps and 4 flats). Choose one of the following: "Tenor Madness," "Now’s the Time," "Billie's Bounce" and play the head and two choruses of improvisation; sight reading

Rehearsal times: Sundays at times TBA between noon and 4:30 p.m. Rehearsals begin Sept. 23.

Cost: $200 per session (6 rehearsals and 2 performances); $125 if enrolled in private music lessons

The Jazz Explosion

For students in grades 7-9
Drews Mitchell, director

Due to increasing demand, there will be two Jazz Explosion ensembles this year. This group is for students who have a strong interest in learning both jazz improvisation and authentic jazz styles. Open to any instrumentalist, but some limitations may be made in certain sections of the group. Please prepare one excerpt in a swing style and one excerpt in another style of your choice. Percussionists should be ready to perform examples of swing, rock, and bossa nova styles on drum set. Having an excerpt to perform on vibes is encouraged but not required.

Audition date: Oct. 28, please see the Audition Page for more information.

Rehearsals: Tuesdays, 5:30-7 p.m. and 7:30-9 p.m. beginning Nov. 6, Lakota West High School.

Cost: $300 per year.

Jazz Experience

For students in grades 9-12
Jennifer Grantham, director

This unique ensemble builds on the foundations laid in Jazz Explosion. It is aimed at all instrumental students who want to learn more about improvisation and jazz performance in a relaxed, group setting.  The ensemble will focus on honing your improv chops through performance and practice of jazz standards. Open to students in grades 9-12 and at least one year of jazz experience in their school's jazz band or one of CCM Prep’s jazz groups.

Audition date: Sunday, Sept. 9. Please go to The Audition Page for more information.

Audition requirements: Drums -- Demonstrate the following styles or grooves:  medium swing, Latin, rock, and uptempo swing. All other instruments -- Major scales (up to 3 sharps and 3 flats). Choose one of the following: "Tenor Madness," "Now’s the Time," "Billie's Bounce" and play the head; two choruses of improvisation is encouraged but not required; sight reading.

Rehearsals: 3:30-5 p.m. Sundays, $300 per year. Weekly rehearsals begin Oct. 7.

CCM Youth Jazz Orchestra

For students in grades 9-12
Todd Hartman, director

The Youth Jazz Orchestra offers a high-level musical challenge for advanced high school aged students in a big band setting. For the first time, this year we will offer two Youth Jazz Orchestra ensembles. In both groups, emphasis will be placed on developing professional musical, improvisational and performance skills. Students who play an instrument within standard big band instrumentation as well as vocalists are welcome to try out. Handbooks for both ensembles can be downloaded here:
► CYJO I Handbook
► CYJO II Handbook

Each CYJO group will meet for 90 minutes on Monday evenings between 5 and 8:30 p.m. in the Lakota East High School band room (a new location this year) from Nov. 5 to May 13. A few rehearsals may be changed within the schedule due to school scheduling conflicts. Concerts are given at the College-Conservatory of Music as a part of our performance venue. The ensembles may also participate in jazz festivals in the winter/spring and some select Ohio Music Education Association events.

Audition date: Sunday, Oct. 21, Lakota East High School band room.  Since that date has passed, please call (513) 556-2595 to find out whether you may still audition to join for the 2012-13 term.

Audition requirements: Instrumentalists (except percussionists) should prepare one excerpt in a swing style and one in another style of your choice. Each excerpt should be performed along with a CD or iPod play-along recording provided by the student. Improvising after performing the melody is optional, but encouraged, especially for students desiring a "solo chair." Students also will be asked to sight-read.

Percussionists should prepare an excerpt (a big band drum set part, etude from lessons book, etc.) to be performed on drum set unaccompanied.  Music for the excerpt should be provided for the audition instructors to view while listening.  Percussionists may be asked to demonstrate a variety of styles (swing, shuffle, samba, bossa, funk, rock, ballad with brushes, etc.) at various tempos and to perform scales or an excerpt on vibraphone.  Percussionists may be asked to sight-read.

Vocalists should prepare one excerpt in a swing style and one in another style of your choice. Each excerpt may be unaccompanied or performed along with a CD or iPod play-along recording provided by the student. Scatting after performing the melody is optional, but encouraged.

Cost: $330 for the year, including the CCM Prep registration fee.

Calendar

Oct. 28: Auditions for Jazz Explosion, CCM

Nov. 5:  Rehearsals begin for Cincinnati Youth Jazz Orchestra, Lakota East High School

Nov. 6: Rehearsals begin for Jazz Explosion, Lakota West High School

Concerts

Saturday, Dec. 15: Jazz Experience and Jazz Combos, Patricia Corbett Theatre, 4 p.m.

Tuesday, Feb.  12: Jazz Explosion and HS Jazz Orchestra, Patricia Corbett Auditoriuml, 7 p.m.

Sunday, May 19: Jazz Extravaganza, Patricia Corbett Theater, 4 p.m.

Register now!