Which Band Should I Join?
Summer Bands
Anyone with previous experience in PYJO 1, 2a, or 2b may sign up.
There will be two bands during the week long PYJO summer session in August.
PYJO 1 & college students will get priority to placement in the top band. PYJO 2a students will be divided between bands 1 & 2 based on need & talent. PYJO 2b students will be in band 2.
Both rehearse at the same time & in the same general location.
NEW students will be placed based on a short audition &/or phone interview. Generally, age 13-26 for this session. This is an intense experience. Strong reading skills are necessary to prepare a set of music in one week.
During the school year:
PYJO III
Wednesdays 4:30-6pm
An introduction to Jazz and a fun challenge for younger instrumentalists. 6th grade & up, must have 2 years experience on instrument. Or permission from directors (younger students sometimes accepted). Any student with compentency playing the chromatic scale and reading basic rhythms should fit in well.
Guitar, piano, & bass players should have strong reading skills or a strong understanding of dominant chords. Rhythm section players should have ensemble experience and may require 3+ years of experience playing music to keep up with the class.
Drummers should have some drumset experience.
Students will learn basic arrangements of Jazz music, work on ensemble techniques, strengthen listening skills, learn basic Jazz improvisation, improve music reading skills, every student will be challenged and given the opportunity to take solos.
Open to: Flutes, Clarinet, Saxophone, Trumpet, Trombone, Guitar, Piano, Bass and Drums
PYJO IIB • Wednesdays 6:30-8:30pm
An outstanding young high school / middle school Jazz ensemble. 7-11th grade. Audition required. Any student with competency reading 12 major scales and previous experience improvising should fit in well.
Guitar, piano, & bass players should have strong reading skills, strong understanding of major, minor, and dominant chords and maintain faster tempos. Knowledge of comping for guitar and piano is helpful.
Drummers should have several years of drumset experience. Be able to play slow to fast swing, latin and rock/funk feels. Comping skills on the snare are helpful.
This is a technique building class. Students will strengthen reading skills, learn bebop melodies, work on projecting their sounds, & learn basic to intermediate Jazz Improvisation skills.
Open to: Flutes, Clarinet, Saxophone, Trumpet, Trombone, Guitar, Piano, Bass and Drums
PYJO IIA • Tuesdays 6:30-8:30pm
An outstanding high school level ensemble. Everyone should be comfortable improvising or willing to learn & know 12 major scales. Intermediate improvisation with a focus on pattern building and creativity.
Woodwinds & brass: Have good control of pitch and tone.
Guitar, piano, bass: Have an understanding of reading Jazz chord changes and can read written bebop lines (even if slowly).
Drummers: demonstrate swing, shuffle, funk, and slow swing with brushes; have reading abilities, and very consistant tempo.
Generally, 9-12th grade. Audition required.
Open to: Flutes, Clarinet, Saxophone, Trumpet, Trombone, Guitar, Piano, Bass and Drums
PYJO I • Mondays 6:30-8:30pm
(Most experienced). A very fine high school / young college ensemble. Knowledge of 12 keys required, strong reading skills, understanding of Jazz theory/chords helpful, excellent control of instruments in the areas of intonation, articulation, tone quality, & swing feel. Have experience with Jazz improvisation (beginners to Jazz soloing and improvisation accepted, with willingness to learn). Regular and careful practice at home is required.
Guitar, Piano, Bass: understanding of Jazz comping and Jazz chord changes. Knowledge of multiple blues &/or rhythm changes progressions.
Drummers: demonstrate swing, shuffle, funk, and slow swing with brushes; have strong reading abilities, comping skills, and good tempo. Intermediate to Advanced improvisation techniques taught. Generally 10th grade-College (2nd year). Audition required.
Open to: Saxes, Trumpet, Trombones, Guitar, Piano, Bass and Drums
Call 503.452.8685 or email: info@pyjo.com
PYJO Directors-Ben & Michelle Medler
