Jazz Band I

Jazz I is for 8th grade students who have at least one year of experience playing in Jazz II. They are expected to play traditional big band instruments. Students in Jazz I focus on refining their skills and abilities to play and improvise in the many different styles of jazz including swing, Latin, funk, rock and more. Jazz I performs concerts throughout the year at Eisenhower, Elmcroft Assisted Living Center, the Albuquerque Jazz Festival, and the Fort Lewis College Jazz Festival in Durango, CO. EMS Jazz I was awarded Outstanding Middle School Jazz Band at Fort Lewis College in 2015, Outstanding Overall Band (including high school bands) in 2014, and was given the honor of opening for the legendary jazz bassist, Christian McBride.