Jazz Ensembles

Jazz Band performing with the US Army Band, December 14, 2022, photo by Staff Sgt. Paige Fremder

Jazz Band

The W-L Jazz Band is the largest jazz group and is open to all students in the music program by audition. The band plays a combination of big-band, show tunes, and traditional jazz. The band performs at W-L and other Arlington locations and makes at least one university visit for clinics with music professors. The group competes at regional festivals and on the spring tour, frequently receiving the highest rating. Special performances are often given such as a concert on the Millennium Stage at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

Jazz Combo 1

The Jazz Combo 1 is a small group of 4 to 6 experienced upper classmen (also members of the Jazz Band) that plays standard jazz pieces with heavy emphasis on solo performance and improvisation. Mr. Robinson selects members based on their past successful experience with jazz, maturity, and the instrumentation required for the combo. This group has a demanding practice and performance schedule and travels to jazz expositions across the country.

Jazz Lab / Jazz Combo 2

The Jazz Lab / Jazz Combo 2 is an entry-level ensemble that teaches students the basic concepts, styles and the fundamentals of jazz and improvisation. This ensemble normally performs in the spring concert in addition to the June Jazz Fest. This group is open to any Washington-Lee Concert or Symphonic Band member with little or no experience in the jazz idiom.

Summer Jazz Camp

Director Alex Robinson sponsors a two-week summer Jazz Camp for students of all ages. Instructors are selected from Arlington teachers and area jazz professionals and the emphasis is on understanding jazz techniques, particularly improvisation. There is an informal performance at the end of the camp when all students have an opportunity to solo and improvise. This camp provides a good foundation for students wishing to join W-L’s advanced jazz groups or other Arlington secondary jazz programs.