CMS Jazz Collective
Average age: grades 8-12.
Tuition: $540
Auditions are by appointment
The CMS Jazz Collective brings together young musicians from middle and high school with college musicians and seasoned professional jazz artists in a collaborative learning environment. This intergenerational program focuses on developing core jazz competencies through hands-on exploration of the music's rich history and evolving traditions.
Students develop three essential areas of jazz musicianship:
Improvisation: Participants learn to express their individual musical voice through guided practice in spontaneous composition, exploring scales, chord progressions, and melodic development within various jazz idioms.
Ensemble Interaction: The program emphasizes the conversational nature of jazz, teaching students to listen actively, respond musically to their peers, and contribute meaningfully to collective musical storytelling.
Personal Musicianship: Students develop their unique artistic identity while building technical proficiency, musical vocabulary, and performance confidence.
The CMS Jazz Collective welcomes students playing traditional jazz instruments and introduces them to jazz styles from the 1930s through today. Prior jazz experience is encouraged but not required.
Weekly Rehearsals: Tuesdays 4:15 - 6:15 at the CMS Center Room 10
Start Date: Aug. 19, 2025
Concert Dates:
- 8 p.m., Friday, Dec. 5, 2025
- 8 p.m., Friday, April 24, 2026