Eligibility

The Arizona Jazz Academy student bands, choirs and combos and choirs are open to all middle and high school age students from throughout Southern Arizona. Instrumentalist and vocalists are required to participate in their school music program if they have one, or get a music teachers approval of participation in case you can't perform in your school ensemble due to an approved conflict. The AJA is not intended to replace the regular playing and practice of music the school ensembles can offer....the AJA is meant to supplement this experience. The adult ensembles are open to all interested adult musicians.

The Arizona Jazz Academy currently serves the young musicians of the greater Tucson, Arizona area by providing educational and performance opportunities in Jazz. The 2005-2006 year will include four Jazz big bands and and four Jazz combos for middle school, four Jazz big bands and four Jazz combos for high school, The Arizona Women's Jazz Orchestra, a novice adult Jazz big band and our professional big band in residence "The Arizona Jazz Orchestra". The middle school and high school Jazz Vocal Ensembles will also be open to all Southern Arizona vocalists. In addition to thhe above groups, the AJA will also offer a Motown Band, a Latin Jazz Ensemble and an African Drum Circle. The Arizona Jazz Academy will feature internationally acclaimed artists to perform with, provide community workshops and jam with AJA musicians.

What to expect as a member of the Arizona Jazz Academy

Acceptance into the Arizona Jazz Academy means that to have joined a select group of motivated musicians who will receive exceptional training and outstanding experiences in the areas of Jazz. AJA members will meet for weekly rehearsals, attend occasional workshops and clinics designed specifically with AJA members in mind, record an end of the year CD. and participate in numerous concerts throughout the year to include venues such as the TCC. Jazz clubs, Jazz festivals, The University of Arizona campus and others. The AJA provides regular performance opportunites at the China Rose and J Nippon restaurants on Friday and Saturday nights. These "jam sessions" are not required but highly recommended. Students are expected to maintain regular attendance and practice assigned repertoire. AJA musicians will have the opportunity to travel and perform an end of the season performance tour.

Asian Jazz Tour

The AJA High School ensembles are expected to make a tour of Asian countries in the summer of 2007. An itinerary will be posted as soon as the AJA travel committee approves it.

Ensembles

The Arizona Jazz Academy is home to middle school big bands,  high school big bands, the Arizona Women's Jazz Orchestra, high school and middle school combos, two jazz vocal ensembles, the Motown Band, the Latin jazz Ensemble, the African Drum Ensemble, The Arizona Jazz Orchestra and an innovative Music Technology program. Whatever your age or ability, we have a band, combo or choir for you!

• The Ellington Band
• The Basie Band
• The Fletcher Henderson Band
• The Goodman/Shaw Band
• The Dorsey Band
• The Kenton Band
• The Motown Band
• The Latin Jazz Orchestra
• The Novice Adult Jazz Big Band
• The Arizona African Drum Circle
• Jazz Combos
• The Arizona Jazz Orchestra
• and MORE!

Tuition and Fees

The tuition for the full school year's participation in a Jazz Big Band is $495. Participation in Jazz Combos or the Music Technology Program is an additional $245 for the first additional ensemble or class and $150 for the second additional ensemble or class. All additional workshops, clinics and additional educational opportunities are free to AJA students. Scholarships and work study are available. When compared to other youth music ensembles, after school athletics, gymnastics or martial arts, we believe the Arizona Jazz Academy to be one of the least expensive yet most educationally impactful opportunities you will find anywhere, however, the AJA is committed to finding financial support for all of those in need. Please ask about these opportunities, or click [HERE] for more details.