Rock Bridge has an outstanding and active jazz program. With close to 45 students involved, the 2010-11 school year will have two big bands and three jazz combos. The bands play some of the finest traditional and contemporary jazz literature. Big Band, Swing, Bebop, Latin, Fusion, and Rock are all explored and performed.

Both bands do extremely well at festivals and competitions. In 2010, the bands and combos competed at the Truman State University and St. Charles West High School Jazz Festivals. Here are the results of those competitions:

Truman State University Jazz Festival

3rd Place - Jazz Ensemble in the 5A Division
1st Place - Combo 'A'
3rd Place - Jazz Combo 'B'

St. Charles West High School Jazz Festival

1st Place - Jazz Ensemble in the 5A Division
1st Place - Jazz Band in the Second Band Division
2nd Place - Jazz Combo 'B'
3rd Place - Jazz Combo 'A'

In January, 2010, the jazz bands and combos traveled to the Evanston Township High School Jazz Festival in Chicago. The students had a great time performing in a non-competitive atmosphere and receiving some great clinics from professional and collegiate adjudicators from all over the country.

Over the past 4 years, the Rock Bridge jazz program has brought in artists to perform in the annual CPS Jazz Night. Students from Rock Bridge and Columbia Public Schools has had the opportunity to perform with professional artists like Mic Gillette, Plas Johnson, Bill Watrous, and Mike Vax. In March, 2010, the Rock Bridge jazz students were also fortunate to have had a clinic with the great Rufus Reid. Mr. Reid spent time working with the Rock Bridge jazz bands and performing for the students.

Auditions for the jazz program take place each year in May. Please see the directors if interested.

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