YOUTH JAZZ ENSEMBLES
Be Part of the Legacy - Enroll Today
High school and middle school students in the MJI Youth Ensemble Program learn from the area’s top jazz musicians who are also committed educators. Rehearsals take place in a historic jazz venue where Chet Baker, Art Blakey, Dizzy Gillespie, Dexter Gordon, and others once performed. Students carry on the tradition by performing classic jazz repertoire through which they study improvisation and accompaniment techniques and become familiar with the essential practices of small ensemble jazz. Two-hour sessions include an ensemble rehearsal and an improv class.
MJI Youth Ensemble Program Benefits:
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Study with accomplished jazz performers (see faculty bios)
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Perform in the community at top jazz venues and festivals
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Interact and learn from legendary, world-renowned guest artists (previous artists include Charles McPherson, Wycliffe Gordon, and Carl Allen)
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Free registration for all MJI online workshops (see past workshop topics)
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Free registration for online courses and MJI Jazz Theory: Levels One through Four
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Discounted pricing for the Annual Summer Jazz Camp
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If you're interested in joining an ensemble, please complete our online MJI Ensemble Interest Form. Applications will be accepted until all spots are filled. We welcome applications at any time.
SCHEDULE
Each two-hour session includes an ensemble rehearsal and a jazz theory/improvisation class.
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All rehearsals and classes are held at the Jazz Gallery Center for the Arts (926 E Center Street, Milwaukee, WI 53212).
Planned absences should be reported through the MJI Absence Registration form. Please let us know as soon as you learn of a schedule conflict. We need time to find a sub in order to hold a constructive rehearsal in your absence.
2025 SPRING TERM - $495 (includes 15 sessions, plus 1-2 performances per term and access to MJI's online courses and workshops)
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"A" TRAIN ENSEMBLE Sundays from 1:30 to 3 p.m.
Start date: January 12, 2025
No rehearsal on March 23 and April 20, 2025
Last rehearsal: May 4, 2025​
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SO WHAT ENSEMBLE Sundays from 3 to 5 p.m.
Start date: January 12, 2025
No rehearsal on March 23 and April 20, 2025
Last rehearsal: May 4, 2025
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FOOTPRINTS ENSEMBLE Sundays from 5 to 7 p.m.
Start date: January 12, 2025
No rehearsal on March 23 and April 20, 2025
Last rehearsal: May 4, 2025
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MAIDEN VOYAGE ENSEMBLE Mondays from 5 to 7 p.m.
Start date: January 13, 2025
No rehearsal on March 24 and April 21, 2025
Last rehearsal: May 5, 2025
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YARDBIRD ENSEMBLE Wednesdays from 5 to 7 p.m.
Start date: January 15, 2025
No rehearsal on March 26 and April 23, 2025
Last rehearsal: May 7, 2025
2025 SUMMER TERM - $198 (includes 6 sessions, plus 1-2 performances per term and access to MJI's online courses and workshops)
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"A" TRAIN ENSEMBLE Sundays from 1:30 to 3 p.m.
Start date: July 13, 2025
Last rehearsal: August 17, 2025
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SO WHAT ENSEMBLE Sundays from 3 to 5 p.m.
Start date: July 13, 2025
Last rehearsal: August 17, 2025
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FOOTPRINTS ENSEMBLE Sundays from 5 to 7 p.m.
Start date: July 13, 2025
Last rehearsal: August 17, 2025
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MAIDEN VOYAGE ENSEMBLE Mondays from 5 to 7 p.m.
Start date: July 7, 2025
Last rehearsal: August 18, 2025
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YARDBIRD ENSEMBLE Wednesdays from 5 to 7 p.m.
Start date: July 9, 2024​
Last rehearsal: August 20, 2025
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2025 FALL TERM - $495 (includes 15 sessions, plus 1-2 performances per term and access to MJI's online courses and workshops)
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"A" TRAIN ENSEMBLE Sundays from 1:30 to 3 p.m.
Start date: September 7, 2025
No rehearsal dates: TBA
Last rehearsal: TBA
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SO WHAT ENSEMBLE Sundays from 3 to 5 p.m.
Start date: September 7, 2025
No rehearsal dates: TBA
Last rehearsal: TBA
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FOOTPRINTS ENSEMBLE Sundays from 5 to 7 p.m.
Start date: September 7, 2025
No rehearsal dates: TBA
Last rehearsal: TBA
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MAIDEN VOYAGE ENSEMBLE Mondays from 5 to 7 p.m.
Start date: September 8, 2025
No rehearsal dates: TBA
Last rehearsal: TBA
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YARDBIRD ENSEMBLE Wednesdays from 5 to 7 p.m.
Start date: September 10, 2025
No rehearsal dates: TBA
Last rehearsal: TBA​
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