8th Grader Information about the New Trier Jazz Ensemble Program

This page is designed to answer the most Frequently Asked Questions about joining Freshman Jazz Ensemble.

Before reading the F.A.Q., please read through the "Why Study Jazz at New Trier" document.

If your question is not answered here, send Mr. Meyer an email and he will answer it ASAP.  meyern@nths.nett

Q 1. Why have so many students over the years chosen to take two electives their freshman year so they can play in Freshman Jazz Ensemble?

A. Our students tell us that being a member of our jazz program means being part of something that is special, unique, and meaningful. Students find that Jaz Ensembles at New Trier are fun and provided a much-needed break in their day. Our jazz program has a rich tradition, and our students love experiencing the personal and musical growth that comes with being a part of our program. Our NTJazz graduates go on to spectacular things after high school, and we've never heard a student tell us that choosing to be in our jazz program limited their choices post-high school. For many students, participation in our jazz program becomes a distinguishing characteristic for them, and a significant assett as they apply to colleges. 

Q 2. Do students need to audition to get into Freshman Jazz Ensemble?

A. Very rarely. If we discover that we have more than three students wanting to play guitar, piano, bass, or drums then we hold auditions for those positions only. We do not need to audition students playing saxophones, trumpet, or trombone. We need to limit our number of guitarists, pianists, bassists, and drummers to three because a jazz ensemble can't function properly with multiple rhythm section players playing at the same time. We also have limited instruments available for students to play.

Q 3.  How would my child know if they have to have an audition on a rhythm instrument, and what would the audition consist of?

A.  All students enrolled in Freshman Jazz Ensemble will be contacted in March to determine instrumentation. If auditions are needed, those students affected will be notified and audition materials will be distributed. 


Q 4. If a rhythm section player does not "make it" for Freshman Jazz Ensemble, can they re-audition the following year?

A. Absolutely! 

Q 5.  What is the "concurrent enrollment" policy and why does it exist?

A. The concurrent enrollment policy in the Music Department has been the policy in most of the following classes listed below at New Trier since the 1960s, and is the norm nationally.
New Trier Music Department Ensembles Requiring Concurrent Enrollment:

• Membership in the Symphony or Chamber Orchestras for wind and percussion players requires students to also be enrolled in a concert band or wind ensemble.
• Membership in the Chamber Orchestra for string players requires students to also be enrolled in the Symphony Orchestra.
• Membership in the Swing Choir requires students to also be enrolled in any other mixed choir.
• Membership in any jazz ensemble requires students to also be also enrolled in a band (for wind and percussion players) or orchestra (for bass players). Pianists and guitarists are exempt from this requirement since music is not regularly published or available for those instruments in a band or orchestra.

A young musician-in-training learns the basic knowledge of musicianship (balance, blend, traditional music notation, Western-European classical performance styles, and characteristic tone production) in a large ensemble such as concert band, orchestra, or traditional mixed choral ensemble. 



Q 6. Can a flute or clarinet player join Freshman Jazz Ensemble?

A.  Yes - if you are willing to learn saxophone. Students with a foundation in flute or clarinet will find the saxophone to be a very intuitive “second” instrument.

Q 7. Does Freshman Jazz Ensemble rehearse before or after school? And do I have to miss other classes to be in Freshman Jazz Ensemble?

A. Freshman Jazz Ensemble only meets during our regular class time so before and after school times are free for other activities. In fact, many New Trier jazz students are also student athletes and involved in other clubs. We do not pull students out of other classes for any of our music classes, with the exception of a dress rehearsal, which might happen once or twice a year.