Jazz
MacPhail Center for Music is proud to offer students exploration of the great Black American art-form, jazz.
Under the direction of Christopher Rochester, the faculty provides a comprehensive, explorative jazz curriculum spanning the great traditions of the past to the innovative developments of the present. The program gives students different opportunities and enhances the presence and quality of jazz performance in the MacPhail community.
Jazz offerings include: individual lessons, combos, summer camps, school partnerships, performances, master classes, and jam sessions.
Jam Sessions
Key to this program, open jam sessions (similar to the jazz clubs of year’s past) provide students with the opportunity to perform with others, test their chops, develop performance skills, and network with a welcoming community of fellow musicians.
Performances/Master Classes
Throughout all student activities, performances are integrated. In addition, the MacPhail jazz faculty perform frequently at MacPhail events and in featured MacPhail concerts such as the MacPhail Spotlight Series. Faculty also provide instrument/genre specific master classes.
Guest Clinicians
MacPhail is proud to partner with the Twin Cites Jazz Festival and will annually host clinics by the headlining performers of the Jazz Festival in Antonello Hall. MacPhail Guest Clinicians have included Matthew Whitaker, piano; Emmet Cohen, piano; Houston Person, saxophone and Dee Dee Bridgewater, voice amongst others.
Jazz Combos & Ensembles
The Dakota Ensemble – An Elite Instrumental Jazz Combo
- Multiple instructors
- Special guest artists/masterclasses
- Field trips to concerts
- Elevated performance opportunities
First Ave Ensemble – Pop and R&B Combo with Vocal-centric Arrangements
- Multiple instructors
- Special guest artists/masterclasses
- Field trips to concerts
- Elevated performance opportunities
Jazz Combos – a combo for every skill level and age
Brass Band Ensemble – A fun entry into the music of New Orleans, the world of improvisation and learning by ear. (no audition necessary)
Jazz Audition Information and Requirements –
2024 Audition Date: Monday, September 23
In-person auditions for 2024-25 academic year will be held at MacPhail Center for Music on Monday, September 23, from 5-9 p.m. at MacPhail’s Minneapolis location.
Video Submissions will be accepted in place of an in-person audition. Video submissions are due by midnight on Monday, September 23rd. Accepted file formats are MP4 and MOV.
Audition Requirements: Students should prepare two pieces/excerpts in contrasting styles that best showcase their abilities.
Minimum age for all ensembles is 12. Exceptions can be made on a case-by-case basis.
- Auditions for jazz combos are just for placements (everyone is accepted)
- Those not accepted into Dakota Ensemble can still join a Jazz Combo
- Auditions not required for Brass Band Ensemble
Questions? Email [email protected]
Christopher Rochester
The MacPhail Jazz program is led by Global Music Initiative Director, Christopher Rochester. Chris is an African American musician, educator, and composer. He has studied and played with artists such as Greg Osby, George Garzone, Scotty Barnhart (current leader of the Count Basie Band), Bill Pierce, and many others. As an educator he’s taught in Florida, Minnesota, Georgia, and Alabama, helping students receive scholarship offers from many illustrious programs. Several of his students have been recognized at the state level and have won many auditions and awards.
For Individual Lessons, please fill out our Student Placement Form.