We offer four different jazz experiences, giving students multiple ways to explore and grow as jazz musicians throughout middle and high school.
Open to all 7th and 8th grade students, regardless of instrument, Middle School Jazz is a great introduction to jazz performance. Students rehearse once a week during Flex while learning the fundamentals of jazz style, ensemble playing, and improvisation. Students on any instrument are encouraged to join. You do not have to be enrolled in band to join.
Open to all 9th–12th grade students, High School Jazz rehearses once a week during Flex and performs a variety of jazz styles. While students on any instrument are welcome, the ensemble is primarily built around the traditional jazz instrumentation of saxophones, trumpets, trombones, and rhythm section (piano, guitar, bass, and drum set). You do not have to be enrolled in band to join.
For students seeking a more advanced experience, Jazz Ensemble is a credit-bearing course offered every other school year (next offered in 2027–2028). Students study advanced jazz literature while developing improvisation, music theory, listening skills, and an understanding of jazz history. You do have to be enrolled in this.
We are developing a district-wide New Berlin Jazz ensemble in partnership with New Berlin West. The vision is to bring together the top jazz musicians from both schools to form a premier ensemble that represents the best of New Berlin's jazz program.
For more information about any of our jazz opportunities, please contact Mr. Kujawa at bryan.kujawa@nbexcellence.org.
updated Aug 2026