You Like Jazz?

Photo from The Silver Bullet

Peyton Toepfer

Jazz Band at Hamilton

The jazz band at Hamilton is an optional extracurricular directed by Mr. Waite for those interested in music such as improvisation and general jazz music. Our jazz band includes a variety of different instruments ranging from guitar to piano to saxophone.

A musician playing a saxophone

Photo from National Association for Music Education

What Are the Benefits of Joining?

Being in jazz allows you to connect with many different people, as well as make many friends through the program. In addition to the social benefits, this extracurricular offers a half credit for participation. One is also able to greatly improve their talents with an instrument that they already play, but it's just as easy to pick up a new one. Jazz bands are a great opportunity to pursue an interest in a new instrument. To join, it is not required to be in the main band class, so anyone who has interest in jazz is able to join. All skill levels are welcome, and participants are encouraged to invite friends.

“I play in the rhythm section and I think it is a great experience. The people are super nice and it feels like another family. I aspire to play more instruments for jazz and expand my horizon.”

-Rylinn Madden, sophomore, Rhythm Section

“I really like being in jazz. It is super fun and I have a lot of friends in it too. The music is fun to learn and I really enjoy playing it.”

-Elsie Gorgen, sophomore, Alto Sax

Time Commitments

Our jazz band meets every Tuesday in advisement in the band room for sectional rehearsals. This time is to practice with those of the same instrument or instrument group to work on difficult bits of the music. Jazz band practices take place after school on Wednesdays from 3-4:30. Jazz band participants are also expected to perform at concerts.