West High School Jazz Bands are a vital part of our band program. Jazz Band students learn important skills of improvisation and explore jazz as a music form. West High Jazz bands have frequently excelled in SEIBA Jazz Festival and many of our students have been selected to perform at Iowa All-State Jazz. Our jazz bands also have opportunities to share their talents with the community at concerts such as the Corridor Jazz Project Concert and Iowa City's Friday Night Concert Series. On Jazz Tour years, Symphonic Jazz Band and Jazz Ensemble participate on Tour. Placement auditions are held in mid-September for all Jazz Bands. At West High, we have 2 levels of Jazz bands:

* Symphonic Jazz Band - Symphonic Jazz Band gives a chance for students to strengthen their jazz playing skills. Students are challenged to expand their understanding of jazz and highly encouraged to hone their improvisation technique. Students Freshmen to Seniors are welcome to audition.

* Jazz Ensemble - Jazz Ensemble is our most advanced jazz ensemble with a limited number of students on each instrument part. Jazz Ensemble is our top jazz band that truly showcases the Jazz program at West High. Students Freshmen to Seniors are welcome to audition. 

Jazz Band Rehearsal Schedule (2022-23)

• Jazz Ensemble rehearsals - Mon evenings, 7-8:30 PM; Wed & Fri mornings, 7:30-8:30 AM
  
• Symphonic Jazz rehearsals - Tues & Thurs mornings, 7:30-8:30am
  
• Varsity Jazz rehearsals - Mon & Wed mornings, 7:30-8:30am