Middle School Jazz Ensembles
Conductor: Brent Baldwin
The Bixby Middle School Jazz Ensembles are large, dynamic big bands composed of dedicated and talented middle school musicians. These ensembles provide students with a unique opportunity to explore the rich traditions and exciting styles of jazz while developing advanced musicianship in a small group and large ensemble setting.
Bixby offers two jazz ensembles: the Intermediate Jazz Band for 7th grade students and the Advanced Jazz Band for 8th grade students. Together, these groups allow students to experience jazz at a developmentally appropriate level while providing pathways to grow as performers, improvisers, and ensemble leaders.
The ensembles perform a variety of standard and contemporary big band charts, ranging from beginner-friendly arrangements to more challenging literature for advanced students. Rehearsals focus not only on reading and executing complex rhythms and harmonies but also on developing jazz style, phrasing, swing feel, ensemble blend, and improvisational skills. Students gain a deeper understanding of jazz culture and performance practices, learning to listen critically and respond musically in the moment.
Through performances at school concerts, district events, and community appearances, the Bixby Middle School Jazz Ensembles provide meaningful opportunities for students to showcase their growth, creativity, and dedication to this uniquely American art form.
High School Jazz Ensemble I
Conductor: Brent Baldwin
The Bixby High School Jazz Ensemble I is a premier big band comprised of the top musicians in the high school. This ensemble represents the pinnacle of jazz study within the Bixby Band Program, providing students with advanced opportunities to develop technical proficiency, stylistic nuance, and improvisational skill.
Students in Jazz Ensemble I perform challenging standard and contemporary big band charts, exploring complex harmonies, rhythms, and ensemble interplay. Rehearsals emphasize the refinement of extended jazz techniques, such as advanced articulation, phrasing, swing feel, and improvisation, while fostering a deeper understanding of jazz style, culture, and history.
In addition to ensemble work, students participate in small combos, further developing improvisational skills, interactive listening, and musical independence. The group also supplements performance study with research into jazz icons, historical movements, and influential recordings, helping students contextualize their performance within the broader legacy of the genre.
Through school concerts, district events, and community performances, the Bixby High School Jazz Ensemble I provides students with opportunities to showcase their artistry, leadership, and dedication while representing the Bixby Band Program with distinction.
High School Jazz Ensemble II
Conductor: Brandon Collins
The Bixby High School Jazz Ensemble II is a dynamic big band comprised of dedicated high school musicians. This ensemble provides students with opportunities to develop their jazz skills in technique, style, and improvisation while performing intermediate standard and contemporary big band charts.
Rehearsals emphasize swing feel, phrasing, ensemble cohesion, and the fundamentals of jazz improvisation. Students also participate in small combos, gaining experience in interactive listening, soloing, and collaborative performance. Through this ensemble, members deepen their understanding of jazz culture and performance practices while preparing to advance into the high school’s top jazz ensemble.
Performances at school concerts, district events, and community appearances allow students to showcase their growth, creativity, and dedication to jazz music while representing the Bixby Band Program with pride.