Big Foot High School has a longstanding tradition of providing an exceptional education in American jazz. The jazz program at BFHS consists of two jazz ensembles, one curricular and one co-curricular. 

Jazz Ensemble

Jazz Ensemble is the premier jazz band at BFHS. Starting in 2020-21 school year Jazz Ensemble and Vocal Jazz are designated as honors courses using a 4.5 GPA scale. This group is a select ensemble of 15-18 musicians consisting of the traditional big-band instrumentation. Jazz Ensemble performs on all music department concerts and at several functions outside of the school day. These functions are typically service oriented and involve performing for community organizations. This ensemble also competes annually at the UW-Eau Claire Jazz Festival in addition to Solo & Ensemble. 

Students must register for this course in addition to Wind Ensemble. Auditions are completed in late January for the following year.

Jazz Lab

Jazz Lab is a curricular ensemble geared towards students who seek to develop their knowledge and skills of jazz. Instrumentation consists of a rhythm section and horns. Size of this ensemble is determined by the number of interested students and can range from 4-20 players. This ensemble begins rehearsals in January and run through March. Performance at Solo and Ensemble or the spring band concert serve as the culminating experience for this ensemble.

• Do I have to audition?

  • Only for Jazz Ensemble. No audition is required for Jazz Lab though it is highly recommended.

• What should I do to sign up?

  • Complete an audition, then select Jazz Lab or Jazz Ensemble during course registration depending on your results. 

• What should I be expected to play at auditions?

  • Generally, musicians will need to perform a couple scales, an exerpt from a jazz tune, a little improvisation, and sight reading.

• How does the concert schedule compare to the other ensembles?

  • Jazz Ensemble typically performs at 4-7 extra events throughout the year, such as performances for local charities, Christmas parties, at district and state solo & ensemble, and at the Eau Claire Jazz Festival in April.

DOWNLOADABLE FILES

100 Historically Significant Jazz Recordings

Aebersold Jazz Handbook (incredible resource for all jazz musicians)

Jazz Improvisation Guide

Jazz Lessons with Jazz Giants

WEBSITES TO HELP YOU LEARN TO PLAY JAZZ

Play Jazz Now Guide

JazzEdNet username: tradjazz password: tradjazzistoday

Jazz 101

Swing Central Jazz

Jazz @ Lincoln Center Jazz Academy

NPR Jazz site

Jazz In America Resources

JazClass Online Courses

Berklee School of Music Courses

APPS TO HELP YOU LEARN TO PLAY JAZZ

Jazz Apps

iReal Pro

iLift

VIDEO IMPROVISATION LESSONS

Dennis DeBlasio Videos

Jazz Improvisation Lessons

Matt Otto Lessons

ALL AUDITIONS WILL TAKE PLACE DURING CLASS

*8TH GRADERS: Will record their auditions with their band director and send them to Mr. Raskin OR arrange a time with Mr. Raskin for an in-person audition. 

Email: nmraskin@bigfoot.k12.wi.us

Winds, Guitar, Bass, Piano:

• Bb and F (concert) Blues scales from memory

• Play the linked piece below for your instrument (including improvisation: if you're unsure how to improvise, ask your music teacher for help)

Drums:

• Play time in the following styles: Rock (Funk), Swing, Samba (or other Latin style)

• Play the linked piece below

• Play your best solo or cover