The Live Jazz KC High School All-Stars are selected from the best high school musicians in the Kansas City Metro area. Students in this ensemble will learn; advanced skills in ensemble playing, techniques in learning repertoire faster, how to lead a section and blending within it, improvisation, and stylistic diversification. The repertoire consists of original arrangements and standards by Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Thad Jones, Ben Folds, Steven Feifke, and more. Kansas City artists contribute new music to the repertoire as well. Works have been included from the musical libraries of Brandon Wilkins, Marcus Lewis, Tate Berry, Rob Scheps, and the LJKC HS musical director Herschel McWilliams.
Locations of past LJKC High School All-Stars performances include (but are not limited too):
· Coleman Hawkins Jazz Festival at Washburn University
· Future Stages Festival at the Kauffman Center
· Jazz Heritage Festival at Kansas City Kansas Community College
· Westport Theatre (annual showcase)
· Homer’s Coffeehouse
Rehearsals are bi-weekly on the 2nd, 4th, and 5th Sunday nights at 6-8pm, beginning in November. Students will be expected to check emails regularly and utilize Google drive, where digital copies of the music can be found (printed copies will still be handed out). Students will also be expected to arrive early to setup their instruments so rehearsal begins at 6pm. Excessive absences will not be tolerated.
Eligibility:
· Be between the ages of 14-18 in the 9th-12th grade levels
· Go to a school in East Kansas (i.e. Overland Park, Topeka, KCK, Leavenworth) or Western Missouri (i.e. KCMO, Liberty, Blue Springs)
· Provide your own transportation and be able to drive to Overland Park, Kansas City, and other places as requested (carpooling is an option for out-of-town performances)
· Instruments accepted:
o Alto, Tenor, Baritone Saxophone
o Trombone, Bass Trombone
o Trumpet
o Piano
o Guitar
o Bass
o Drums
o Vibraphone
Please fill out the application form below:
For more information, email administrative director Tate Berry (Mr. Berry) at tate@livejazzkc.com.
Nominate a high school musician
The Live Jazz KC High School All-Star Big Band is comprised of the best high school jazz musicians the Greater Kansas City area has to offer.
Complete this form to nominate your high school jazz musician for the Live Jazz KC High School All-Star Big Band.
Band to be selected in the fall with rehearsals and showcase performances beginning in November. Stay tuned for more details.
Any questions can be directed to LiveJazzKC at info@livejazzkc.com
