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We are pleased to announce the restart of the award winning JazzYYC Youth Lab Band. Composed of local youth aged 14 to 20, the JazzYYC Youth Lab builds on the strength of the Calgary music and educational community through expert instruction and participation in an advanced jazz ensemble. Led by Director Jay Michalak, veteran guest musicians work with the band to expand their musical horizons. With a focus on ensemble skills, improvisation, medium/ advanced repertoire and musicianship, the JazzYYC Youth Lab Band benefits students with a desire to enrich their musical experience.
This year is obviously very unique for students to experience performances and rehearsals in the traditional way but we are excited to offer both virtual and safe in-person jazz rehearsals between February and June. Scenarios will vary weekly but our plans include unique virtual workshops, recording opportunities, clinics and sectionals. We will strictly follow all AHS guidelines and we have a variety of venue options to support various size rehearsal situations. We have been consulting with other community and school music programs regularly and will use best practices at all times. However if the situation in the province does not allow for safe in-person rehearsals, we will still present weekly virtual sessions over zoom.
We are also excited to announce a partnership with Long & McQuade to support our backline equipment requirements.
Auditions are on:
January 14, 16, 21 and 30th
These will be virtual auditions scheduled individually on zoom.
Wind players should prepare a transcription, song or jazz etude in any jazz style. Rhythm section players should prepare a jazz standard in any jazz style. They should demonstrate the ability to play an appropriate accompaniment in the correct style of the chosen tune (i.e. walking bass line or comping).
Drummers should be prepared to demonstrate the following styles; up tempo swing, medium swing, 3/4 swing, shuffle, funk, bossa nova, samba and afro-cuban 6/8. Additionally, drummers should demonstrate playing with brushes in different styles and be able to perform basic rudiments (which can be found on the Percussive Arts Society website)
The audition process will also include sight-reading, scales (major, minor, chromatic), and improvisation. Applicants must be enrolled in the music program in the school they attend. A reference form completed by the applicant’s band teacher is required. This form may be completed by the applicant’s instructor if the applicant is no longer in high school, or if the high school they attend does not have a band program.
Applicants must be no younger than 14 and no older than 20 at the time of audition. Tuition will be $250 payable at the start of the program.
Please fill out the following form to register:
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