Welcome to the 2026-27 Jazz Ensemble

Thank you for your interest in the Athens Drive 2026-27 Jazz Ensemble (#livewiththedrive). The ensemble will look quite a bit different from previous years and we’re excited to get started!

Jazz Ensemble is an extracurricular ensemble that meets after school 1-2 days a week throughout the year. The band performs a wide variety of styles including swing, ballad, latin, funk, rock, etc, and is the face of the program outside of marching season. Standard instrumentation includes alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone, trumpet, trombone, clarinet (one chair), drum set and auxiliary (such as vibraphone), bass, guitar, and piano.

I’m very much looking forward to getting started! Our Jazz ensemble is an ambassador for our entire program and school for much of the school year. If you’re nervous about trying something very different, I would encourage you to try – jazz only makes the rest of your playing stronger and auditioning is always beneficial! I also treat your first audition as an introductory lesson in jazz style, so be prepared to learn as well. 

Lucas Meade, Head Band Director

Details

Instrumentation

• HORNS: Alto/Tenor/Bari Saxophone, Clarinet (1), Trumpet, Trombone
• RHYTHM: Guitar, Piano, Bass Guitar, Drum Set and Aux Percussion

Auditions

Wednesday, August 26th from 2:45pm-6pm

• JAZZ ROOKIES – 15 minute time slots will be posted on the Band Office.
• VETS ONLY – Video Audition through last year’s BAND App. 
  

Rehearsal Schedule

• Runs September 2025 – May 2026
• First Rehearsal – Wednesday, September 2nd – 2:45pm-4:30pm
• DURING MARCHING SEASON – Wednesday, 2:45pm-4:30pm
• REST OF YEAR – Tuesdays/Thursdays 2:45pm-4:30pm (exceptions based on other ensembles occur throughout the rest of the year.)
• Full schedule is posted at athensdriveband.com and in the BAND app.

Music

• Styles include Swing, Ballad, Latin, Funk, Rock, Bebop & more.
• Music will be a mix of simpler to VERY challenging.
• Rehearsals are relatively short and will be focused on style and ensemble skills, so outside preparation will be needed by every band member.
• Every student will develop improvisation skills throughout the year.

Performances

• Band Concerts
• Elementary/Middle Schools
• Retirement Homes
• Jazz Festivals (February-April) incl/Jazz MPA

Other gigs to be booked separately.

Fair Share Assessment

There is a $200 fair share assessment for membership in the ensemble which covers the cost of music, festival registration, clinicians and equipment. The full amount is normally due by November 1st. There are scholarships available for students – please reach out to Mr. Meade if this amount is a hardship!

In addition, new students are asked to purchase the uniform blue dress shirt at an approximate cost of $25 before their first performance. A complete uniform consists of black dress pants and shoes with a shirt.

Audition Specifics

Music – CLICK HERE

Copies are at the front of the band room as well.

Winds/Piano/Guitar/Bass

Scales – Know as many major scales (minimum 7, all 12 expected from vets) as you can up to the “9” (the “8” is the octave). In the audition we’ll talk about “swinging up to the 9. If this is confusing, ask a jazz vet or Mr. Meade.

Tune – “Anthropology” – Play the “head” from the page for one chorus with the backing track. Guitar/Piano Comp over a second chorus. Bass walk a line for a second chorus.

OPTIONAL – take a final chorus of improv – this is NOT required, but will definitely help your chances to even try!

Backing Track Link

Jazz Lesson – Jazz rookies will have a brief walk through of jazz articulation.

Drums 

Styles –  16 measures of Medium Swing (Met=132) 

16 measures of Fast Swing (Met=180)

16 measures of straight Ballad (brushes preferred) (Met=60)

16 measures of Funk (Met=90)

16 measures of Latin (Met=140)

Tune – Flight of the Foo Birds – m.67-end (Music in drive at top of page/at front of band room)

Backing Track: BACKING TRACK LINK (time stamp 2:19-end)

Sight Reading – You’ll have one minute to prepare before reading a short jazz excerpt!