Big Band is the NEW (2023!) combined East and West jazz group which rehearses on Thursdays during lunch (11:40-12:25) in the music room. West students are transported to East via Mr. Weisman's car and require a transportation waiver. This group is put together in a traditional jazz band setup with a rhythm section (guitar, bass, drums, piano), 4 saxophones, 4 trumpets, 4 trombones, and occasionally vocalists.

Jazz Ensemble East is the Sturgis East jazz band which rehearses on Tuesdays during lunch (11:40-12:25) in the music room. It is a group that welcomes any kind of instrumentalist interested in learning about jazz/contemporary music history, repertoire, and improvisation. 

Who should join? Students in grades 9-12 are invited to participate in one - or both - of these extracurricular groups. Students joining these groups are not required to have previous music experience, but knowledge of reading sheet music, a developed ear, or a general passion and dedication to music making will help! Please discuss participation with the director prior to participating.

What do the groups play? A mix of jazz styles are presented in these groups - from swing to bossa, funk to more experimental jazz styles. Student suggestions, particularly from upper classmen, are often honored.

Recordings/Archives:

• Spring 2023 -

  • Jazz Big Band Inaugural Performance! "Basically Blues" - Phil Wilson (video on the top left)

  • Jazz Ensemble East "Don't Mean A Thing" - Duke Ellington (video middle left)

• Winter 2019 - 

  • Jazz Ensemble - "Mercy, Mercy, Mercy" - Joe Zawinul

  • Jazz Combo - "What Do You Say Dr. J?" - James Williams

  • Jazz Combo - "Watermelon Man" - Herbie Hancock