WY Jazz Program
Dan Gabel, Director of Jazz Program
Worcester Youth Jazz Ensembles
1) Worcester Youth Jazz Ensemble "Big Band"
This ensemble focuses on traditional and current big band repertoire. The group members are guided through a history of big band arranging and composition, and perform selections from key eras and writers. Focus is placed on ensemble technique, blend, historical practice, interpretation, innovation, and thematic and stylistically appropriate improvisation.
Rehearsals: Monday Evenings, 6pm to 8:00pm
2) Worcester Youth Jazz Combos
These small jazz combos perform a wide range of repertoire. An understanding of the jazz tradition and the Great American Songbook coincides with contemporary interpretation. The ensemble focuses on improvisation, group arranging, non-verbal cues, world music influences, and contextual improvisation.
Rehearsals: Monday Evenings, 8pm to 8:30pm
Sign Up for an audition here
1) Worcester Youth Jazz Ensemble "Big Band"
This ensemble focuses on traditional and current big band repertoire. The group members are guided through a history of big band arranging and composition, and perform selections from key eras and writers. Focus is placed on ensemble technique, blend, historical practice, interpretation, innovation, and thematic and stylistically appropriate improvisation.
Rehearsals: Monday Evenings, 6pm to 8:00pm
2) Worcester Youth Jazz Combos
These small jazz combos perform a wide range of repertoire. An understanding of the jazz tradition and the Great American Songbook coincides with contemporary interpretation. The ensemble focuses on improvisation, group arranging, non-verbal cues, world music influences, and contextual improvisation.
Rehearsals: Monday Evenings, 8pm to 8:30pm
Sign Up for an audition here
Instrumentation
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1. Big Band
Saxes: 2 alto 2 tenor 1 baritone Trumpets: 4-5 Trombones: 3-4 tenor 1-2 bass Rhythm: Guitar Piano String Bass Drums Additional possibilities: Vibes: 1 Auxiliary percussion: 1 Vocals: 1-2 (male and female) Violin (possible) |
2. Combos:
Alto, Tenor, Bari Sax, Trumpet, Trombone, vocal, violin (possible) Rhythm section (piano and/or guitar, bass, drums) 
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School Music Program Participation Policy:
WYO training and performance opportunities are intended to supplement school music programs. It is the policy of the Worcester Youth Orchestras that each musician participates in his/her school music program, if offered at the musician’s school as part of the school day curriculum. As WYO helps to advocate for the school music programs, music educators help promote and encourage their students to participate in WYO. This policy has been a very important way to build both programs and to build community and a positive reputation for WYO. As regards the school music participation policy, WYO recognizes that some school music classes may conflict with other school core curriculum, electives, and AP classes. In such cases, WYO believes the musician’s family must make the best academic choice for their child.
WYO training and performance opportunities are intended to supplement school music programs. It is the policy of the Worcester Youth Orchestras that each musician participates in his/her school music program, if offered at the musician’s school as part of the school day curriculum. As WYO helps to advocate for the school music programs, music educators help promote and encourage their students to participate in WYO. This policy has been a very important way to build both programs and to build community and a positive reputation for WYO. As regards the school music participation policy, WYO recognizes that some school music classes may conflict with other school core curriculum, electives, and AP classes. In such cases, WYO believes the musician’s family must make the best academic choice for their child.
