Jazz Program
Unmatched in the Chicago area, Midwest Young Artists’ C. Louis Meyer Family Foundation Jazz Program provides students with the most comprehensive instruction citywide. The MYA Jazz Program is for students who love jazz and the precision of nailing big band charts. Students will master jazz styles while improving sight-reading, counting, phrasing, and intonation. Consisting of three big bands, six combos, and classes in jazz theory and history, MYA jazz students have the opportunity to perform with internationally acclaimed guest artists in premier jazz and concert venues throughout Chicago and beyond. The MYA Jazz Program has been featured on Harry Porterfield’s Someone You Should Know series and on CBS 2. In December of 2011, the MYA Big Band was invited to perform at the Midwest Clinic in downtown Chicago with Wycliffe Gordon.
MYA Big Band, Jazz Ensemble and Jazz Orchestra placement is based on musical and technical ability. An audition is required for entry.
Theory classes are the first half hour of the Jazz Ensemble, Orchestra and Big Band rehearsals.
Jazz Ensemble
Conducted by Jarrard Harris, the Jazz Ensemble is for the younger jazz musician who is eager to learn jazz phrasing, articulation and ensemble skills.
Learn about auditioning for Jazz Ensemble
Jazz Ensemble Rehearsals: Sunday, 12:30- 3:00pm
Jazz Orchestra
Chris Madsen conducts the Jazz Orchestra for developing jazz musicians who are mostly in high school and ready for a more challenging ensemble experience.
Learn about auditioning for Jazz Orchestra
Jazz Orchestra Rehearsal: Sunday, 3:00- 5:30pm
Big Band
The MYA Big Band, conducted by Chris Madsen, is geared toward those developing jazz musicians who are primarily in grades 11 and 12 and are ready to sink their teeth into the most demanding repertoire.
Learn about auditioning for Big Band
Big Band Rehearsals: Sunday, 5:30- 8pm
Jazz Combos
Director Jarrard Harris takes jazz up a step with the Jazz Combo programs. Jazz Combos are for students who want to learn the art of improvisation and build skills to take them to the highest levels of solo expression in a more intimate setting. Combo students are encouraged to participate in one of MYA’s Big Bands.
Learn about auditioning for Jazz Combos
Jazz Combo Rehearsals: All combos meet on Sunday evenings.
Merit Combos
These two combos are selected based on ability and dedication. Entry is limited to current MYA students in Big Band. The Merit Combos will meet every week and will have the opportunity to learn from some of the greatest jazz teachers in the area including Nic Meyer, Sax; Joel Spencer, Drums; Erik Hochberg, Bass; Frank Portolese, Guitar; Joan Hickey, Piano and others.
Selection is dependent on ability and dedication.
Jazz Envoys Merit Combo Rehearsals: Sunday, 3:30- 4:30pm
Jazz Diplomats Merit Combo Rehearsals: Sunday, 4:30- 5:30pm
Exact dates of rehearsal schedule will be announced to those who are selected.
Jazz Theory and History Classes
Free to MYA Jazz Students, participation in these classes is required for all members of Jazz Ensemble and Jazz Orchestra (students may be excused from Theory participation at the discretion of the director). Students will explore the history of jazz music while gaining a deeper understanding of music theory and ear training as it relates to jazz improvisation. The theory classes are an integral and important extension of the ensemble rehearsals.
Theory I class for Jazz Ensemble students: Sunday, 12:30pm, Jarrard Harris, Instructor
Theory II class for Jazz Orchestra students: Sunday, 3:00pm, Chris Madsen, Instructor
Jazz Listening, Composition and Arranging
Free to MYA Jazz Students, participation in this class is required for all members of Big Band (students may be excused from participation at the discretion of the director). This class will begin to put into practice the theoretical knowledge that the student has thus far studied. Real world applications of theory will guide the student as he or she begins to understand the basics of jazz composition and arranging for all sizes of ensembles. Every other week, the student engages in a guided listening exercise enhanced by analysis and group discussion of great jazz recordings designed to get the most out of the listening experience.
For Big Band students: Sunday, 5:30pm, Chris Madsen, Instructor