Jazz Bands

Here is a link to the Jazz Calendar

Dear Students, Below is the updated Jazz Ensemble and Jazz II audition info for the 2025-2026 school year. The audition process for Jazz ensembles continues to evolve so please read through this page and the info packet carefully as things have changed from previous years.

The exerpts used in the auditon this year are from the newly updated Oregon All-State Jazz audition materials. I am not requiring you to submit the entire set of audition materials but one (or the option of two) of the exerpts that I have linked in the packet below. My hope is that some of you might see this as an opportunity to finish the All-State audition and for those that already aspire to do so I am hoping to consolodate your workload.

Audition Info

  • Auditions will involve both a recorded excerpt and an in-person rehearsal. 
  • Recorded auditions are due on May 11th – materials and recordings are found at the bottom of this document.
  • The in-person audition for Jazz Ensemble and Jazz II is the same event and will be hosted  in the SHS band room on Wednesday, May 28th 7:30-8:20 AM. Students will take turns playing in a large ensemble and reading tunes. We will still have doughnuts!
  • Results will be posted on Friday, May 30th at 3:20pm. Mr. Weitkamp will contact the counseling office to make sure that the jazz class is added to the student’s schedules. 
  • Feel free to email Mr. Weitkamp questions at: tweitkamp@sherwood.k12.or.us

Jazz Audition Info 2025

Audition Submission Link

Jazz Ensemble

  • Jazz Ensemble is the varsity jazz ensemble of Sherwood High School and is composed of a select group of advanced students that perform a wide variety of jazz literature. The jazz style and improvisational techniques are explored, developed and refined. The Jazz Ensemble performs at regional festivals and competitions in the winter and spring. In addition to performing standards, the jazz ensemble is always experimenting with newly composed jazz material from internationally known artists. 
  • Jazz Ensemble will meet every morning through the school year from 7:30am-8:20am and is a graded class with assignments and multiple extra-curricular performances.
  • Jazz Ensemble for uniquely enthusiastic musicians who are committed to preparing their parts and showing up on time and ready to play every rehearsal and every gig! 
  • Joining Jazz Ensemble is a year-long commitment
  • Students who join both Jazz Ensemble and Wind Ensemble the same year have traditionally struggled with the large influx of advanced repertoire and increase in performing opportunities, take care when signing up for extra band activities and manage your numerous commitments.

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Jazz Band II

  • Jazz II is an advanced auditioned ensemble that meets from November through the end of the school year. The first round of auditions for Jazz II occurs in the Spring and remaining seats will be filled in the fall. 
  • Jazz II will meet two-three mornings a week from 7:30am-8:20am. This ensemble is not a graded class but students are expected to uphold a high standard of musicianship and practice outside of rehearsals like any other ensemble. 
  • Joining Jazz II is a year-long commitment involving at least three performances. Rhythm section members will also participate in a jazz  combo ensemble which meets an additional morning of the week.

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Jazz II Timeline:

  • Jazz II audition round-one is in the Spring of 2025 for the following school year
  • Remaining spots will be filled in the fall before the start date.
  • Jazz II Rehearsals will begin in November.

Jazz II begins on Monday, November 3rd at 7:30am in the Auditorium. This ensemble is directed by Nathanael Ankeny, a saxophone player and jazz professor at George Fox University.

Jazz II will meet 2 times per week, Tuesday and Thursday from 7:30-8:20am. Occassionally Jazz II will hold sectionals on additional mornings leading up to performances and festival competitions. Rhythm section members are required to also participate in a jazz combo that will rehearse Wednesday mornings. 

 Jazz II will perform about 4 times during the school year. 

Jazz Band III

  • New as of the 2024-25 school year, Jazz III offers a great opportunity for developing jazz musicians to explore the music and for students trying new instruments to develop fundamental skills. 
  • Jazz III will one morning a week from 7:30am-8:20am. This ensemble is not a graded class but students are expected to uphold a high standard of musicianship and practice outside of rehearsals like any other ensemble.