The jazz program is open to interested students playing woodwind, brass, vibraphone (vibes), piano, bass, and/or drum-set. Also, auxiliary percussion instruments and guitars are welcome! Focus will be on improvisation and combo playing.

Participants meet weekly to rehearse, and perform at least one concert each semester. Informal jam sessions may take place each month. MAYO Jazz participants will receive coaching sessions by leading professionals and work with guest artists in the jazz field.

The mission of the MAYO Jazz Program is to foster excellence in jazz performance by addressing the challenges facing today’s musician. Our mission is fulfilled by the study of jazz performance coupled with the reinforcement of classical techniques and mechanics with strong emphasis on quality musicianship in solo and combo settings. Our mission will be further enhanced academically through group instruction, section master classes, and interactions with guest artists, while being enhanced publicly through informal live performances via jam sessions, and formal performances via prepared concerts.

Rehearsals - Tuesday evenings in Bloomington
6:30-8:30 p.m.

Eligibility
Students will audition for membership in the MAYO Jazz Combo program.

The MAYO Jazz Program is an active program dedicated to giving its students the opportunity to grow musically, socially, and personally. MAYO Jazz supports, supplements and enhances the vast parent music programs from which our organization draws its membership. Through musical performance, students learn to work together to achieve common goals and foster respect for one another.

Students learn to focus on goals and achievements beyond the personal level as well as developing their own self-discipline. Through the study of harmony, scales, rhythms, styles, and other elements, students develop skills that will allow them to understand and appreciate both the mechanical and artistic foundations of music.

As a result, students who successfully complete the program will be equipped with the necessary tools to contribute intelligently and, we hope, with originalty, to our musical society.

For more information on other jazz institutions, please visit here.