The William Short Jazz/Rock EnsembleParents & Students, Welcome to the William Short Jazz/Rock Ensemble. The Jazz/Rock Ensemble began in 2000, by former director David Mumma and the long-time band volunteer, Bill Short. Mr. Short volunteered at WMS for nineteen years. He passed away in March, 2018 Mr. Short did everything for the West Band Students. Bill copied music, organized the band library, distributed instruments and worked with individual students and large sections. His mission was to provide the directors as much teaching time as possible. Bill wanted to deal with the "little things" that would pop up each day in rehearsal. Mr. Short made life better for the directors and students. He was a gem. It is our pleasure to name the Jazz/Rock Ensemble after our beloved Mr. Short. The students and I hope to honor his memory by playing great music! I am looking forward to a great year of jazz music in the William Short Jazz/Rock Ensemble. Attendance PolicyATTENDANCE POLICY - PLEASE READ CAREFULLY! The William Short Jazz/Rock Ensemble performs three concert cycles per school year. You are expected to be in attendance and on time to every rehearsal and performance. We ask that you and your parents review the Jazz/Rock Ensemble schedule for the entire season and compare it to the other planned activities on your calendar. If you have an unavoidable conflict, the Jazz/Rock Ensemble has a limited number of excused absences per concert cycle. YOU MUST PLAN AHEAD SO AS NOT TO EXCEED THE NUMBER OF EXCUSED ABSENCES. In this planning process, please consider all of your sports and academic extracurricular activities, family vacations, etc. You are expected to be in attendance and on time to every scheduled rehearsal. If you have an unavoidable conflict, the Jazz/Rock Ensemble has a limited number of unexcused absences (1) per concert cycle. We have a total of 3 concert cycles throughout the school year:
Consequences for more than 1 unexcused absence:
Excused Absences (does not impact student’s participation in the group):
***Students who miss a number of Wednesday practices due to sickness will need to demonstrate their proficiency on the jazz music prior to a concert cycle.
Unexcused Absences:
PPS Sport Teams and other Extracurricular Activities: Sport Practices & Musical Students who participate in sports or other extra-curricular activities must work out schedules so they can participate in both. This is important as our group rehearses only one time per week! Athletes & musical members are required to rehearse with the Jazz/Rock Ensemble from 2:50-3:35p, and attend practice from 3:35-4:15.
Athletic Contests Students who participate in a PPS sponsored athletic contest should attend jazz practice for as long as possible. However, if you choose to play a sport that conflicts with the majority of jazz band practices, you should not be in the after-school jazz band. Be sure to look at the athletic schedules, which can be found on the middle school athletic department websites. If you do not see a schedule posted, contact the athletic director. Google CalendarGoogle Calendar 7th Grade Jazz Band, June 2Jazz/Rock Ensemble, May 20Jazz Band Spring Concert, March 25Jazz/Rock Ensemble, Part 2 | This Week in Band!
Showing posts 1 - 4 of 4.
View more »
Jazz Band Auditions!Our 7th & 8th Grade students, along with 6th graders with 1+ years experience on their band instrument, can audition for the jazz/rock ensemble! Auditions will be recorded and submitted on Flipgrid. They will be due on or before Wednesday, September 28. Audition music is available now! You can download the music on the jazz web page, Google Classroom, or, see your band director! Check out the Jazz Band Webpage for more info! 1st Rehearsal!Our first rehearsal will take place on Wednesday, October 5, from 2:50-3:50! I can't wait to hear our students on October 5!!! Once we are back, most rehearsals take place on Wednesday, from 2:50-3:50, in the WMS Band Room! 2022-23 Jazz Band Calendar2022-23 Jazz Band Calendar Jazz Band Concert!7th Grade Jazz Band, May 20Jazz Band Holiday Concert |