🌟 The Live Jazz KC High School All-Stars Big Band
The Live Jazz KC High School All-Stars represent the premier youth jazz ensemble KC. This selective program chooses the best high school musicians from across the entire Kansas City Metro area to participate in an intensive, high-level big band experience.
There is no tuition or cost to participate.
🎶 Elevating Your Jazz Education
Students accepted into this prestigious Kansas City High School Jazz Band will receive advanced instruction to significantly enhance their musical skills, preparing them for college programs and professional performance:
- Advanced Ensemble Skills: Mastering complex dynamics and arrangements.
- Repertoire Speed: Techniques for learning challenging music much faster.
- Section Leadership: Developing skills in leading and blending within a horn or rhythm section.
- Improvisation & Stylistic Diversification: Deep study of improvisation and exploring various jazz styles.
🎼 Our High-Caliber Repertoire
The band's musical library features a diverse and rich selection, designed to challenge and inspire. The repertoire includes original arrangements and classic big band standards by legends like Count Basie, Duke Ellington, and Thad Jones, alongside contemporary artists such as Ben Folds and Steven Feifke.
Crucially, we champion the Kansas City jazz scene by featuring new, original works contributed by prominent local artists, including Brandon Wilkins, Marcus Lewis, Tate Berry, Rob Scheps, and LJKC HS Musical Director Herschel McWilliams.
📍 Performance Venues & Commitments
The All-Stars perform at high-profile venues, giving students invaluable live performance experience and exposure within the KC Metro All-Star Jazz community. Past performance locations include:
- Coleman Hawkins Jazz Festival (Washburn University)
- Future Stages Festival (Kauffman Center)
- Jazz Heritage Festival (KCK Community College)
- Annual Showcase Night at Westport Theatre
- Homer's Coffeehouse student jam
🗓️ Rehearsal Schedule & Expectations
Rehearsals are held twice a month at Kansas City Kansas Community College, beginning in mid-December and ramping up after the New Year. Rehearsals run 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM; the weekday (Wednesday or Thursday) is being finalized and will be confirmed with accepted students.
- Communication: Students must check emails regularly and utilize Google Drive for digital music access (printed copies are also provided).
- Punctuality: Students are expected to arrive early to set up their instruments so rehearsal can start precisely at 6:30 PM.
✅ Eligibility for KC High School All-Stars
Students must be between the ages of 14 and 18 (grades 9th-12th) and attend a school in the surrounding area:
- East Kansas: Overland Park, Topeka, KCK, Leavenworth, Lawrence, Lansing, Leavenworth, Tonganoxie etc.
- Western Missouri: KCMO, Liberty, Blue Springs, Lee's Summit, Belton, Grandview, Platte City etc.
Instrument List
We accept the following instruments for the High School All-Stars Big Band:
- Saxophones: Alto, Tenor, Baritone
- Brass: Trumpet, Trombone, Bass Trombone
- Rhythm Section: Piano, Guitar, Bass, Drums, Vibraphone
Logistics
Students must provide their own transportation to rehearsals at Kansas City Kansas Community College and other performance locations. Carpooling is an option for students traveling to out-of-town performances.
📩 Apply Now!
Please fill out the application form below.
For more information about the Live Jazz KC High School All-Stars, please 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 mid-December. Stay tuned for more details.
Any questions can be directed to LiveJazzKC at info@livejazzkc.com
