Jazz Band

Jazz Band is one of the five bands at Stuyvesant and the only band that plays jazz music. Acceptance into the jazz band is by audition, rather than through online sign-up. The jazz band plays at various school events, such as open houses for incoming freshmen, as well as at least one concert each term. Students in the jazz band also have the opportunity to be in a jazz combo. Dr. Winkel is the only jazz band teacher and it is only offered first period.

Curriculum
Though there is no strict curriculum for the jazz band to follow, the jazz band tends to begin at the basics of jazz music every year, despite a majority of sophomores, juniors, and seniors every year. A few lessons deal with the expression, phrasing, and dynamics of jazz music and how they differ from those of classical music, but most classes are spent playing music in preparation for concerts. The music played in this band is usually at a low level recommended for beginner jazz students, though the band does play higher level jazz pieces once in a while.

Teaching Style
Dr. Winkel usually begins the class with a warm-up, which includes major scales, mixolydian mode, dorian mode, and seventh chords. He does this in order to reinforce the importance of recognizing and hearing chords when improvising. After warming up, he goes directly into the repertoire of any upcoming performances.

Dr. Winkel encourages every student to improvise, especially freshmen who may be too shy to improvise. Occasionally, he chooses a piece with a solo section and goes around the room, asking each student to improvise for a 16-bar phrase. In doing so, he helps students overcome their fear of playing badly.

Grading Policy
This class is based heavily on attendance. Excessive lateness or cutting can result in a low grade or even a failing grade, regardless of the student's skill in music.

Jazz Combo
Select students from the jazz band are asked to play in a jazz combo, which consists of about five students. In addition to the concerts and open houses that the jazz band plays in, the combo plays at various events around New York City after school and on weekends. The combo plays much more challenging music than the band and also allows its members more opportunities to improvise. If they have an upcoming event, combo members rehearse together first period, missing band rehearsal.