Jazz Band I Details and Start Date

I hope you are doing well, and welcome to the 26-27 Monarch Jazz I! In this email you will find some important details and updates regarding this ensemble.

Start Date/Rehearsal Schedule:

• Jazz Band I rehearsals will officially begin on MONDAY, August 17th. Rather than starting on Thursday the 13th, I’d like to give everyone these first two days to get acclimated to the “back-to-school” routine.

• Rehearsal is every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday before school. Downbeat is at 7:30am - so please arrive no later than 7:20am to ensure you have time to set up and warm up for a bit. You may enter directly through the side band room door.

• Last year we got a little bit too relaxed with this start time and I would like for that to change. Let’s all make a commitment to be early this year so that we will start on time!

• Mr. Vandermeer will be sure to open the doors by 7:20am so that you can begin setting up. I will close the doors at 7:30am when we begin, so DO NOT be late.

• On occasion, some rehearsals may be cancelled due to busy weeks or rehearsals immediately following a performance. If this is the case, Mr. Vandermeer will always notify the group in person and also via email through Cut Time. Otherwise, expect to rehearse every M/T/Th/F!

Expectations for the Ensemble

• Monarch Jazz 1 aims to be an elite level jazz program. Rehearsals need to operate at a high level and we need everyone to be a positive contributor to the rehearsal environment.

• This means:

  • Showing up on time and prepared on your parts.

  • Keeping cell phones off and away (except to reference as a tuner).

  • Minimizing side conversations - we want jazz to be fun, but we also want our band to be good!

  • A positive attitude and an open mind to step out of your comfort zone (like learning to improv!).

  • A “go-getter” mindset. In other words - don’t wait for Mr. Vandermeer to push you to be better, help push yourself and other members to give their best every day.

  • Consistent practice. We will work on developing fundamental skillsets and concepts of jazz during rehearsals, but it is expected that everyone works on their individual playing and music every day. 30 minutes of focused, goal oriented practice will go a long way!

  • Consider private lessons. While not required for participation, the students who are in private lessons are always the students pushing the band to new heights!

• We will perform A LOT! While I always aim to have all Jazz 1 events on the Calendar well in advance, sometimes, we are asked to perform with only a week or so notice. We are able to do this because the members of our ensemble are ready and willing to go the extra mile to give back to the community (plus, it is FUN to perform). All known dates are published on the Band Calendar and are listed in the Band Handbook (which will be communicated on the first day of school). Any dates that we may add will be communicated as early as possible.

• We will attend numerous festivals throughout the year such as the Horizon Jazz Festival, and UNC Jazz Festival. I also intend to hold record sessions (ideally during regular rehearsals) to be considered as an honor ensemble for CMEA (Colorado Music Educators Association) in 2028, as well as national level programs, such as the Essentially Ellington Jazz Competition and Festival, The Midwest International Band Clinic, and more.

• This will be a very fun year and I can’t wait to kick off rehearsals next Monday! If you have any questions, please let me know.

Thank you so much for your support of Monarch Jazz.

Mr. Vandermeer