Jazz Band I is our top jazz ensemble consisting of traditional jazz instrumentation (trumpets, trombones, saxophones, and a rhythm section).  Jazz Band I rehearses on Wednesdays from 5-6:30 PM, plus a weekly sectional for each section.

Jazz Band II is open to all students and instruments. In Jazz Band II, students learn the foundations of jazz and are exposed to multiple styles of jazz. They meet every Wednesday from 3:45-4:45 PM. 

Both of our jazz bands are extracurricular ensembles. The jazz bands performs a variety of styles including blues, swing, jazz, funk, latin, and many more. The typical jazz band instrumentation includes trumpets, saxophones, trombones, and a rhythm section. The rhythm section consists of a drum set, guitar, piano, and bass (depending on the piece the bass player may be playing electric bass or upright bass). From time to time, we will also feature a jazz singer. There is no limit to how many students we will take in the jazz band.

Auditions are held in late October/early November. Auditions consist of a jazz excerpt usually available by the beginning of October, B-flat & F blues scale, and sightreading. Students who are not currently in the Round Lake Bands program are more than welcome to audition for the rhythm section. If you do not know how to read sheet music, it is strongly recommended that you meet with Mr. West on a regular basis to learn how to read music notation.

Here are some types of pieces the jazz band performs:

JAZZ BAND Frequently Asked Questions

HOw do i join jazz Band?

​Auditions for jazz band usually occur mid or late October. Music for the auditions are available at the beginning of October. We print hardcopies of that music as well as posting it on this website.

Auditions consist of an excerpt of music, the B-flat & F blues scale, and sight-reading. Auditions are for chair placement only.

What instruments play in jazz band?

A typical jazz band instrumentation has four sections: saxophones, trumpets, trombones, and rhythm. The rhythm section consists of guitar, bass (sometimes electric, sometimes upright), piano, and drum set. Occasionally, drum set players may also play the vibraphone or auxiliary percussion when a piece calls for it. 

Can I learn a new instrument for Jazz Band?

Absolutely! We often have students who will play one instrument in concert band and another in jazz band. Below are common switches for students. Knowing certain instruments makes learning some instruments easier than others. If you are planning on learning a new instrument for jazz, it is strongly encouraged that you start this process well before the auditions (preferably at the start of the school year or earlier), and should definitely take lessons with Mr. West or a private instructor on a weekly basis.

Common Switches (Going from primary instrument to secondary)
Flute, Oboe, Bassoon, Clarinet - Saxophone
French Horn - Trumpet
Baritone, Tuba - Trombone
​String players - Bass or Guitar

When Does Jazz Band Rehearse?

Currently, we rehearse on Wednesdays from 3:30-5. However, we are exploring other options to reduce conflicts with other after school activities.

Can I Be in a Jazz Band and a SPort or another after School Activity?

Of course! Nearly all of our jazz band players are in some other activity (theatre, baseball, boy scouts, track, and more). We always work with coaches and other teachers to figure out any scheduling conflicts to make it work for the student.

Students have to communicate their other activities early on. We can easily make it work when we have plenty of notice. What doesn't work and is not acceptable is coming to Mr. West with only a day or two notice saying that you won't be at rehearsal. (Our handbook also states that all absence requests must be submitted two weeks in advance.)