Jazz Program at Southeast High School

At Southeast High School, students have multiple opportunities to explore and grow as jazz musicians through a variety of ensembles designed for all experience levels. Whether you're new to jazz or looking for an advanced performance experience, there’s a place for you in our program.

Our ensembles perform formal concerts throughout the year, attend two to three jazz festivals, and regularly share music within the community.

Jazz 1

Our premier jazz ensemble, Jazz 1 is an audition-based group that meets during the school day. Students in this ensemble focus on advanced ensemble performance, stylistic development, and high-level musicianship.

Jazz 2

Jazz 2 is open to all Southeast students who play a band or rhythm section instrument. This ensemble meets during the school day and provides a welcoming environment for students to develop jazz fundamentals and ensemble skills.

Jazz Combo 1

Jazz Combo 1 is designed for members of Jazz 1 who are interested in a small-group experience. This ensemble emphasizes improvisation, soloing, and deeper exploration of jazz styles.
*Rehearses once a week after school (day TBD).

Jazz Combo 2 (New!)

Jazz Combo 2 is open to all Southeast band students and rhythm section musicians, regardless of enrollment in Jazz 1 or Jazz 2. This group offers an additional opportunity to develop improvisation skills and perform in a small ensemble setting.
*Rehearses once a week after school (day TBD).

Audition Information for Jazz 1 and 2 Auditions

*Students wishing to audition for the 2027-2028 school year should contact Seth Burk at sburk@lps.org to arrange an audition

Auditions for the 2027-28 school year must be submitted/completed by March 5th, 2027.

Trumpets, Saxophones, Trombones

• Perform the concert F and Ab major scales

• Perform the chromatic scale (1 octave minimum, 2 octaves preferred)

• Prepare the required audition music

• Using the accompaniment track, play along to the recording using the required audition music and then improvise for twelve bars to the Bb blues

Piano, Electric Guitar, Bass Guitar

• Perform the concert F and Ab major scales

• Perform the chromatic scale (1 octave minimum, 2 octaves preferred)

• Prepare the required audition music

• Using the accompaniment track, play three choruses: one using the audition music, one comping (walking in the case of bass), and one improvising.

Drumset

• Open the styles sheet and prepare the following styles: rock, swing, bossa nova, samba.

  • Play each of the styles in the following format: 7 measures of groove, one measure of fill. Do this twice for a total of 16 measures

• Prepare the required audition excerpt