2019-2020 NMS Jazz Band Information Letter

Dear Jazz Students and Families,

Exciting times are upon us – Middle School Jazz season! Jazz band is a great way for
students to learn and experience new types of music, have fun, and effectively develop into
creative and well-rounded musicians. In this letter, you will find information about
auditions, the jazz ensembles, transportation, and the 2019-2020 jazz calendar:

NMS Jazz Ensembles:

Blue Band – This is an auditioned ensemble that is open to 6 th-8th Grade band students.
Blue Band will rehearse after school on Tuesdays and Thursday from 3:00-4:00pm. Rhythm
Section students will have an additional rehearsal on Wednesdays after school from 3:00-
4:00pm. Students in this ensemble will learn to play different styles of jazz (swing, funk,
latin, rock, and other styles) in the big band format. Blue Band is directed by Mr. Simon.

Red Band – This is our beginning jazz ensemble open to all 6 th-8th Grade band students.
Red Band will rehearse after school from 3:00-4:00pm on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Students in this ensemble will learn the basics of performing in a jazz band as well as
different styles of jazz (swing, funk, latin, rock, and other styles) in the big band format. Red
Band is directed by Mrs. Ortmann.

Transportation: There is a bus (homework help bus) that leaves around 4:05pm every
day, which students can take home after rehearsal.

Auditions
Auditions: Auditions will be held after school on October 8th, 9th, and 10th. Students will be notified
in class the week before auditions about Jazz Audition sign ups. Students will sign up for one time
slot. Students that have a conflict with after school due to sporting events can do their audition in
class

Auditions are required for each student to be placed in one of two jazz bands. Most students will
be placed in either jazz band; however, it should be noted that students auditioning for a rhythm
section instrument (piano, bass, guitar, drums, and vibraphone) might not be placed in either upon
the discretion of Mr. Simon and Mrs. Ortmann. Audition results will be posted on the band room
door and communicated to parents the week after auditions
Audition Music (Made Available in Class & on website siouxcitynorthbands.weebly.com):
Wind instruments: 1. Doxy 2. Chromatic Scale
Rhythm Section: Drums: 1. Doxy 2. Demonstrate simple swing style and be able to play a
drum fill, in tempo/Piano: 1. Doxy 2. Chromatic Skill/Bass, Vibraphone, & Guitar: 1. Doxy 2.
Chromatic Scale
 Rehearsals and Performances
Jazz Band is a commitment; attendance at rehearsals/performances is mandatory for the
success and learning of our students. Consistent attendance allows students the full
opportunity to learn and have fun performing an incredible American musical art form.
Attached to this informational letter is the calendar of auditions, meetings, and rehearsals.
By auditioning for our jazz groups, students are committing to being a member of one of
our two ensembles. Rehearsals occur every Tuesday and Thursday when Jazz season
begins (Tues/Wed/Thr for Rhythm Section Students) as noted in the calendar attachments.
Please know that some of these rehearsals may be cancelled due to unforeseen
circumstances and some performance dates/times are still unknown. These will be
communicated ASAP.

2019-2020 Performances
What: Jazz Parent Meeting for those accepted What: Morningside Jazz Festival (Blue Band only)
into either band – email will be sent to parents When: Friday, March 20th (Time TBD)
When: October 15th @ 6pm Where: Morningside College – Eppley
Where: North Middle School Band Room Auditorium

What: Sioux City East Jazz Festival (Red & Blue What: North Middle School Jazz & Pie Night
Band) (Red & Blue Band)
When: January 17th (Time TBD) When: Tuesday, March 17th @ 7:00pm
Where: Sioux City East Middle School Where: North Middle School in the Commons

What: District Jazz Festival (Blue Band only) What: Nursing Home Performance
When: Monday, February 17th in the morning When: Date TBD (Most likely Week of March
during school 23rd)
Where: LeMars Community Schools., LeMars, IA Where: Location(s) TBD

What: *Potential* Elementary School Tour

(Blue Band only)
When: TBD - Week of April 1st/ During School
Where: Hunt, Irving, Bryant, Leeds, Perry Creek

Contact Us
Please let us know if you have any questions about Middle School Jazz:
 Mr. Simon:
 simona@live.siouxcityschools.com
 Mrs. Ortmann:
 ortmana@live.siouxcityschools.com