Jazz & Contemporary Music
Jazz & Contemporary Music
The Conservatory’s new Jazz & Contemporary Music offerings will continue to preserve and share the unique heritage of American Jazz — a longstanding WCM tradition — while celebrating its proud heritage that is ever present in the music of today.
WHY JAZZ & CONTEMPORARY MUSIC?
Beginning and Advanced programs are also available for school-aged students who wish to get a more in-depth knowledge of jazz.
Beginning Middle & High School students can enroll in the Jazz Prep program, an entry point into developing their ears, building jazz feel, exploring tune knowledge & improvisation skills, and learning ensemble skills.
Advanced High School Jazz students may audition to enter the Conservatory’s Honors Jazz Institute, a a comprehensive, year-round experience that includes small ensembles, big band, jazz theory classes, private lessons, and summer jazz camp. Honors Jazz Institute students have the opportunity to work with visiting guest artists and to perform in the community.
JAZZ PREP PROGRAM HONORS JAZZ INSTITUTE 2022-23 SCHOLARSHIP AUDITION REQUIREMENTS
From Jazz to the Music of Today
Jazz, at its core, is music of connection — to West African rhythms, to European-style brass bands, to work songs sung by enslaved peoples in the American South, and even to the structures found in classical music. Jazz musicians experience connection through improvisation, spontaneous composition, and understanding of a shared musical language.
What then does Contemporary Music add to the equation? Contemporary styles like rock ‘n’ roll, hip-hop, and salsa find their roots in Jazz music and also all share a keen ability to connect cultures and traditions from around the world. By fusing diverse styles, jazz & contemporary musicians create the music of “the now.”
Make the Connection
Jazz & Contemporary Music are linked by their ability to fuse global cultures and traditions to create the music of “the now.” Here are just a few examples:
- Jazz great Duke Ellington has claimed inspiration from the works of classical French composers such as Claude Debussy, and his influence can be heard in Ellington’s compositions from the swing era to his symphonic works.
- Mississippi Delta Blues, one of the earliest styles of American blues music, served as key inspiration for the British Invasion bands of the 1960s.
- Modern day hip-hop sampling allows individual artists to create “mash-ups” and shatter traditional genres through the use of music technology.
For ages 9 – 18
Jazz Prep Program
The Conservatory’s new Jazz Prep Program is the place for students to begin their journey into Jazz! Students will develop their ears, build jazz feel, explore tune knowledge & improvisation skills, and learn ensemble skills in a three-part package: combo, keyboard-centered concepts class, and private lesson.
Full and partial financial assistance available. Call 414-276-5760 or email info@wcmusic.org for more information.
Open To The Community By Audition
Jazz & Contemporary Music Scholarships
The Honors Jazz Institute is a comprehensive, year-round experience for high school students. The program includes small ensembles, big band, jazz theory classes, private lessons, and summer jazz camp. Students have the opportunity to work with visiting guest artists and to perform in the community. Admittance into the program is by audition.
Audition Dates: March 5, 2023
- Entry Level | Auditions open to woodwind, brass, percussion, strings, bass, guitar, piano, and voice students currently in grades 8-11 (high school students in 2021-22)
- Audition Material | Students will be expected to prepare all of the requirements as listed in the appropriate category. Time limit is 10 minutes.
- Evaluation | Auditions will be judged on the following elements of musical performance: improvisation, accuracy, rhythm, time, technique, stylistic awareness, and harmonic skills. All judges’ decisions are final.
Thank You
Supported by the City of Milwaukee Arts Board & the Wisconsin Arts Board
WCM Jazz Residencies in Schools are supported in part by a grant from the Milwaukee Arts Board and the Wisconsin Arts Board with funds from the State of Wisconsin.