Jazz studies at GRC are an important component to the music department’s curriculum. Current jazz students are always top contenders for spots in all district jazz bands, all state bands, and other special offerings like the CKYO Jazz Ensemble, while our jazz alumni have distinguished themselves in professional music careers and collegiate studies.
The Jazz Ensemble is made up of 10-12 graders, by invitation from the director. Instrumentation is set at 5 Saxophones, 3-5 Trombones, 3-5 Trumpets, Piano, Bass (electric and upright), drum set, vibraphone, and guitar. All students must be enrolled in the band program, unless approved by the director.
The GRC Jazz Ensemble participates each year in the KMEA State Jazz Assessment and most at band concerts in GRC’s Cardinal Theatre. The Jazz Ensemble has also performed at Comedy off Broadway in Lexington, opening for the DiMartino Osland Jazz Orchestra. In 2015, GRC Jazz hosted the Winchester Jazz Festival, performing alongside the Bluegrass Area Jazz Ambassadors and the Campbell Junior High Jazz Ensemble, with guest soloists Miles Osland, of the University of Kentucky, and Dr. Bob Lark, Director of Jazz Studies at DePaul University in Chicago, IL.
In 2017, the band performed at CCM’s Essentially Ellington Regional Festival in Cincinnati, Ohio. Three of our soloists earned outstanding soloist honors.
All State Jazz Recordings
George Rogers Clark Bands 