The EHS Jazz Band is a year-long performance ensemble for students who want to study and perform jazz at a high level. The group appears in concerts, community events, and regional jazz festivals while building style, listening, improvisation, and ensemble skills.
Jazz Band is an auditioned class, and selection is based on the ensemble’s instrumentation needs and the strength of the audition.
Students who want to participate in Jazz Band should complete the Jazz Band audition and score high enough within their instrument group to be selected. Returning Jazz Band members have previously not been required to re-audition, but students should always follow the current posted instructions.
Recent audition materials have asked students to prepare two swung major scales from memory and a jazz excerpt for their instrument. Drummers have been asked to demonstrate swing, Latin, and rock grooves with fills.
Recent examples include Planet Bluegrass, Skyline Jazz Festival (Superior rating in 2026), and Erie Town Fair.
This pathway may be added later. For now, focus on the auditioned Jazz Band class.
Concert Black is the default unless a specific event itinerary says otherwise.
Yes. Students audition for placement in the ensemble.
Yes — festivals, community events, and shared concerts when scheduled.
It may. Festival trips can include bus transportation and a permission slip.