Cheltenham High School currently offers two jazz bands for student participation:
Cheltenham Jazz One and Jazz Two. Both jazz bands are advanced, audition based ensembles that study and perform a wide range of jazz music. Jazz Band 1 was the 2010 Cavalcade of Bands Liberty Division champion and moved up a division to become a Yankee Division finalist (top 10 in all of PA & NJ) in 2011. Jazz Band 2 entered its first season of competition in 2011, and earned several Outstanding ratings. Jazz Band 1 has been consistently recognized with Superior festival ratings in the last few years and participates regularly in the Cavalcade of Bands jazz festival circuit. In addition to the traditional high school big band format, the members of the jazz bands also perform in small combos where they develop improvisational skills and learn a variety of jazz standards.
Auditions for the jazz bands are held annually and take place shortly following the end of marching band season. Audition packets are available in the instrumental music office. Jazz Band 1 instrumentation typically includes Alto Sax (2), Tenor Sax (2), Bari Sax (1), Trumpet (5), Trombone (4), Guitar (1-2), Bass (1-2), Keyboard (1-2), Vibes (1) and Drums (1-2). Jazz Band 2 instrumentation varies from year to year and students must demonstrate an acceptable playing ability based on the difficulty of the music to be studied. Students must audition every year.
The jazz band has raised over $4,000 for bone marrow research and scholarships in tribute to the late great Michael Brecker (CHS '67), through a series of tribute concerts. These concerts have featured legendary Philadelphia area guest artists such as Michael Pedicin Jr., Larry McKenna, and Dave Posmontier performing with the CHS Jazz Band.
Cheltenham Jazz One and Jazz Two. Both jazz bands are advanced, audition based ensembles that study and perform a wide range of jazz music. Jazz Band 1 was the 2010 Cavalcade of Bands Liberty Division champion and moved up a division to become a Yankee Division finalist (top 10 in all of PA & NJ) in 2011. Jazz Band 2 entered its first season of competition in 2011, and earned several Outstanding ratings. Jazz Band 1 has been consistently recognized with Superior festival ratings in the last few years and participates regularly in the Cavalcade of Bands jazz festival circuit. In addition to the traditional high school big band format, the members of the jazz bands also perform in small combos where they develop improvisational skills and learn a variety of jazz standards.
Auditions for the jazz bands are held annually and take place shortly following the end of marching band season. Audition packets are available in the instrumental music office. Jazz Band 1 instrumentation typically includes Alto Sax (2), Tenor Sax (2), Bari Sax (1), Trumpet (5), Trombone (4), Guitar (1-2), Bass (1-2), Keyboard (1-2), Vibes (1) and Drums (1-2). Jazz Band 2 instrumentation varies from year to year and students must demonstrate an acceptable playing ability based on the difficulty of the music to be studied. Students must audition every year.
The jazz band has raised over $4,000 for bone marrow research and scholarships in tribute to the late great Michael Brecker (CHS '67), through a series of tribute concerts. These concerts have featured legendary Philadelphia area guest artists such as Michael Pedicin Jr., Larry McKenna, and Dave Posmontier performing with the CHS Jazz Band.
