Rock Bridge Jazz

Rock Bridge has a very active jazz program. With close to 60 students involved in three big bands (Jazz Ensemble, Green Jazz Band, & Gold Jazz Band) the bands perform some of the finest traditional and contemporary jazz literature. Big Band, Swing, Bebop, Latin, Fusion, and Rock are all explored and performed. Jazz Ensemble is our auditioned band that meets during the school day with auditions taking place each year in April. Our Green & Gold Jazz Bands are volunteer based groups that meet once a week before school once Marching Band is finished (early November). The pre-requisite for joining the jazz program is enrollment in Band (Music 8340) unless exempted by the director of the band.  Multiple performances at festivals and community events provide a large amount of exposure for the jazz program.  All students interested in auditioning for Jazz Ensemble should enroll for Music 8343 – Jazz Band. Following the audition, students will be placed in the respective course with the guidance office by the band directors. 

The Rock Bridge Jazz Program consistently brings in artists to perform at the annual CPS Jazz Night. Students from Rock Bridge have had the opportunity to perform with professional artists like Mic Gillette, Plas Johnson, Bill Watrous, Mike Vax, Rufus Reid, Roger Ingram, Tom "Bones" Malone, Tom Garling, Matt Harris and Lauren Sevian.

The Rock Bridge Jazz Ensemble has been selected to perform at the Jazz Education Network (JEN) International Conference in Atlanta, Georgia on Friday, January 4, 2013 and at the MMEA January 2013 (Missouri Music Educators Association) State Conference!