top of page

JAZZ BAND

I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It's easy.

​

Directed by d’Lainey Forrester, the CCMS Jazz Band is made up of students interested in learning to play in a variety of jazz styles in an exciting big band setting. Grades 6-8 are able to join.

​

What is jazz?.... Jazz is an exciting, uniquely American art form that allows for a tremendous amount of personal expressivity through performance of the wide range of jazz styles from swing to latin, funk, rock and so many more. Its greatest offering lies in the area of improvisation which gives the performer the opportunity to develop expressive content that is not limited by the notes and rhythms on the page.

 

When do we start?.... We plan to begin after school rehearsals in September - Date TBA. 

 

Questions?.... Contact: dlaineyforrester@ccusd.org

General Information​

 

Eligibility

  • ​Jazz Band is not a beginning level music class. Students who are interested in learning an instrument for the first time should enroll in Panther Band or Panther Strings class with Ms. Forrester. 

  • Students must have at least 2 years of experience on their instrument to join.

  • Students must be enrolled in a band or orchestra class at CCMS. *with special exceptions to guitar, electric bass, and piano. 

  • Students must complete an audition with Ms. Forrester. See audition information below.

​

Auditions

Audition dates - TBD

​

Instruments Needed

  • Bass (upright acoustic or electric) ​

  • Drum set (2+ years experience. Must read notation)

  • Piano (2+ years experience. Able to sight read hands together)

  • Guitar (2+ years experience. Must read notation)

  • Trombone

  • Trumpet

  • Saxophone (alto, tenor and bari)

​

When & What to Bring

​Rehearsal times are Tuesdays from 2:45PM – 4:15PM in Room 3 at CCMS

​

  • Jazz Ensemble Method Book
    *Ms. Forrester will provide details on which book to purchase after the auditions

  • Music Folder or Binder

  • Pencil

  • Saxophone Reeds (Students should have at least 3 working reeds) 

  • Brass Valve Oil & Slide Grease

  • Electric Bass/Guitar & Cables (Amps provided)

​

Expectations

 

Students are expected to adhere to all rules listed in the Culver City Middle School Student Handbook in relation to both behavior and academic honesty. Furthermore, students will follow the classroom rules to maintain a positive classroom environment.
           

  • Be Respectful to Yourself and Others

  • Be ON TIME - Be in the door before the start of rehearsal and in your seat with all necessary rehearsal items

  • Always Come Prepared - Bring all rehearsal items to every rehearsal 

  • No Eating or Drinking in the Room 3 or the Auditorium, except for water

  • CCMS Instrumental Music Cell Phone (and Electronic Device) Policy: No phones or other Electronic Devices will be present on your stand or in your hand unless requested by the instructor. Phones and other Electronic Devices are to be in the student's backpack.

​​

Consequences are at the discretion of the director.​

​

Practice

To guarantee success in the musical process, individual preparation outside of class is both vital and required. Because rehearsal time is limited, students must practice their assigned jazz music at home to arrive fully prepared. This entails mastering notes and rhythms beforehand, allowing us to dedicate our group rehearsals to style, dynamics, tempo, and listening skills.

​

Students should aim to practice 5x per week, 15 minutes each practice session (minimum).

​

Private lessons are highly recommended for student achievement. Please reach out to Ms. Forrester for recommendations.

​

Concert Attire

All instrumental music students are required to wear appropriate concert attire as a successful part of their co-curricular performance work. 

 

Information regarding appropriate concert attire with specific guidelines will be communicated well in advance of our first concert performance. If you need assistance obtaining appropriate concert attire, please speak with Ms. Forrester.
 

Performances

 

December 9th - CCMS Winter Concert
February 26th - CCMS Black Owned Business Expo
April 14th - CCMS Open House
April TBD - CCHS Jazz Concert
May 12th - CCMS Spring Concert

 


Additional required performances will be announced during the year well ahead of any required performance time. Any unexcused performance absence may mean up to removal from the class. 
 

Parent Support

 

We kindly ask for a fair share donation of $250 for your student’s tuition in our year-long jazz course. This will go toward sheet music and instrument/equipment purchases necessary to grow our jazz program. We are currently in need of an electronic keyboard, bass amp, drum set equipment, and cables in order to get started.​

​

​

bottom of page