Unmatchable in the Chicago area, Midwest Young Artists’ C. Louis Meyer Family Foundation Jazz Program provides students with the most comprehensive instruction citywide. 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.
Jazz Program Offerings
For students who love jazz and the precision of nailing big band charts. Students will master multiple jazz styles while improving sight-reading, counting, phrasing, and intonation. MYA Big Band, Jazz Ensemble and Jazz Orchestra placement is based on musical and technical ability. An audition is required for entry.
Big Band, Chris Madsen, Conductor
For developing jazz musicians primarily in grades 11 and 12 who are ready to sink their teeth into the most demanding repertoire.
Big Band rehearsals: Sunday, 5:30 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. (The first half hour of the rehearsal is the required theory class)
Audition for Big Band
Jazz Orchestra, Chris Madsen, Conductor
For developing jazz musicians, mostly in high school, who are ready for a more challenging ensemble experience.
Jazz Orchestra rehearsals: Sunday, 3:00 P.M. to 5:30 P.M. (The first half hour of the rehearsal is the required theory class)
Audition for Jazz Orchestra
Jazz Ensemble, Jarrard Harris, Conductor
For younger jazz musicians eager to learn jazz phrasing, articulation and ensemble skills.
Jazz Ensemble rehearsals: Sunday, 12:30 P.M. to 3:00 P.M. (The first half hour of the rehearsal is the required theory class)
Audition for Jazz Ensemble
Jazz Combos, Jarrard Harris, Director
For students who want to learn the art of improvisation and build skills to take them to the highest levels of solo expression. Students are placed in small combos based on ability and age. Combo students are encouraged to participate in one of MYA’s Big Bands.
Jazz Combo Rehearsals: Students are placed in a combo which meets on Sundays or Tuesday evenings.
Audition for Jazz Combos
Theory, Jarrard Harris, Director
Jazz Theory and History Classes, Free to MYA Jazz Students. 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. Participation in these classes is required for all members of Jazz Ensemble, Jazz Orchestra, and Big Band (students may be excused from Theory participation at the discretion of the director).
Theory I class meets Sundays at 12:30 p.m. for Jazz Ensemble students – Jarrard Harris, Instructor
Theory II class meets Sundays at 3:00 p.m. for Jazz Orchestra students – Chris Madsen, Instructor
Jazz Listening, Composition and Arranging meets at 5:30 p.m. on Sundays for Big Band students – Chris Madsen, Instructor
- This class will begin to put into practice the theoretical knowledge that the student has thusfar 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.
